A/N Two updates? Within a day? I sometimes surprise even myself.

Thank you all for the reviews! I enjoyed reading them! Tanks again Saltycocacola for your insight and intriguing questions! Hopefully this will answer them!

1) Why did Bella have such an averse reaction to her anxiety build up and why did she have to rest for 8 hours?
Bella has had to go through immense trauma since she's been with the Joker and has never truly had the opportunity to be away from him long enough for that built up tension to be expressed. The combination of that and her new stressors became too much for her body to handle. Extreme exhaustion often can follow a major anxiety attack or heart attack. That exhaustion combined with the tranquilizer she was given had her put into a state of rest that left her physically and mentally exhausted. Hence, the very long sleep

2) Why was Bella suddenly feeling remorseful for the Cullens when her plan came through?
The antitoxins she had been taking were working to reverse the effects of the toxic waste on her body and brain. Along with this, came her potential to feel remorse and a conscience that had long been non existent. Now that she was able to actually feel sadness and, after the heartfelt confrontation with Alice, she realized that Alice did care for her. Knowing her plans put Alice in jeopardy brought on feelings of remorse. It came back stronger than it usually would after being dormant for so long and the onset of 'new' emotions is partly what lead to the extreme anxiety

3) After feeling remorseful for the Cullens she so quickly ran back to the Joker like a switch had flipped. Was this due to Stockholm's Syndrome?
Well… yes! You hit the nail on the head with that one! Stockholm Syndrome is an extreme psychological disorder that takes a lot to overcome. Her obsession with the Joker never fully subsided. While she may have started going 'back to normal' because of the meds, the psychological conditioning and draw she has to him is still very present. She would only have to see him, know that he is within her reach, to revert back to the way she was once the memories and extreme emotions came back to her.

4) I hope you portray the Joker to be a crappy guy so we don't have to sympathize with him or Bella.
I did my best to make him as disgustingly evil as I could! Trust me, even I hate this psychopath!

Sorry for the long, drawn out explanations! I hope this cleared things up! Thank you to you and everyone else's amazingly positive reviews! Here is the next chapter! Enjoy!

(Also, to clarify, this is an ExB story! Even though the big confrontation is upon us, the story is far from over when it comes to them! So don't give up on me yet haha)

Alice's POV

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Bella… sold us out. She knew the one thing we couldn't risk… and used it against us.

I didn't want to believe she was capable of something like this. But, at the same time, I did. I believed she was capable. I didn't want to, but I did.

It was so clear now. All falling into place. The phone… I was so naïve. I trusted her.

Edward was listening to my mind, but I wasn't even trying to hide it anymore. I had found a phone, a clue, and I did nothing. I told no one. I trusted Bella. And, in the process, I had put our entire family in danger.

In my confusion, Bella somehow freed herself from my grip and was running towards this thing of a man. The second I saw him enter, I knew it was over.

Edward's POV

Bella… why? Why would she do this to us? To me? I understood why she would want to hurt me… but my family?

By telling Bella our secret, I had inadvertently opened the door to this. It was always a possibility. However, I never believed she would be so cruel. I was wrong.

I was wrong about Bella.

My mindset changed in an instant. A moment ago, I was pondering whether or not she'd ever forgive me for what I'd done to her. Now, I wasn't sure I could ever forgive her for this extreme betrayal.

My heart broke when I saw her run towards the man who had been the other reason, besides me, for her pain and broken life and I felt my resolve shatter.

I couldn't do this. Not after this. I couldn't love her. I always believed my Bella was inside this new girl, crying to be let free.

Crying to be with me.

I realized suddenly that Bella no longer existed. Not as I knew her. And she'd never be the Bella I once loved.

I was so sure she was getting better. But the way she immediately broke and ran to the man who's manipulated her from the start… she was such a good actor.

She had us all convinced that she was trying. That she was improving.

She lied.

And I knew it was over.

I could never love this Bella.

Carlisle's POV

The minute she saw his face, I knew Bella was done for. That premature exposure to the subject of her obsession would certainly do her in. Undo all the progress she's made.

Had he stayed away longer… it wouldn't be this way. She would reject him, not run into his arms.

But I knew she was gone as soon as she saw him. And she had planned out exactly how she would take us down with her.

With the cameras on us, I knew the risk was too high. We couldn't save her this time.

For the first time in a long time, I couldn't hold onto hope.

Bella's POV

My instincts took over as I ran into his arms. I could feel the golden eyes boring into my back, but I didn't care. I finally felt whole again.

I looked up at my puddin's face. The tattoo on his forehead reminded me of home.

damaged. That's what was written under his hairline. That's what he was. That's what I was. And I loved every broken piece of him. I took a moment to take him in. God, I've missed him.

My concerns about the Cullens vanished. All I knew was that I was once again in his arms, where I always ended up. Where I belonged.

I rubbed his collar.

"You got all dressed up for me?" I purred, leaning in to kiss his neck.

"You know I'd do anything for you," he purred back. It was low enough that no other human would hear it, but I knew they did.

He kissed my forehead gently. I felt content.

"You changed your hair?" he smirked.

I nodded sheepishly, knowing the reason for the change. I tried to play it off lightly.

"Do ya like it?"

I waited for a moment. Finally, he growled.

"No."

I wasn't prepared what happened next. I felt his hand impact my cheek. It was hard, violent and so forceful. I flew back and landed on my side, clutching my face in pain. What the hell?

"Bella!" I heard Edward call.

He came to me at human pace and knelt down beside me, removing my hand and replacing it with his own. I made the mistake of looking into his eyes. They were so full of ancient pain and regret…

Edward's POV

I saw the hit coming in his mind before anyone else did. For some reason, I felt angered. Surely after all Bella's done to us, I wouldn't mind it. But, no, that's not who I am.

"Edward," Alice warns. "We're human tonight."

She gestured towards the man holding the streaming camera. Everything we did would be documented. There was too much risk.

I stopped myself, and watched helplessly as his palm collided with Bella's face. He was using enough force that it sent her flying to the floor a few feet away.

I couldn't help myself.

"Bella!"

Bella's POV

To say I was in shock would be an understatement. Surely, he was happy to see me… What brought this on?

I clutched Edward's hand unconsciously.

Mistah J smiled. It was never good when he smiled.

"Well, well, well," he started. "Whaddawe have here?"

He laughed. I shivered involuntarily. I didn't like this.

"I'm gone for not even two weeks and I come back and all of a sudden you have new friends?" He looked directly at Edward. "And a new guy?"

I couldn't have this. I promised Alice he wouldn't do anything to them that would put them at risk. I had to do something.

I immediately pushed Edward off me. I wouldn't normally have been able to, but he played along.

"N-no, Mistah J," I stammered out, standing up. "You got it all wrong!"

I tentatively took a step towards him. He frowned.

"I was using them," I try to explain. "So you could find me!" I had to make this more believable. "I mean, who else would I live with these fucking Cullens for? Nobody, that's who…"

I closed the gap between us and put my lips to his ear.

"It'll be just like old times."

He nodded, then turned the gun to Edward.

"I don't like people touching my things."

I spoke quickly. "He never touched me! I'm only yours, Mistah J. I'm yours!"

He smiled at this.

The others didn't.

Edward's POV

Once she said the words 'old times' into that monster's ear, I knew what she meant. His mind filled with images of the two of them. The people they've killed… riding around in stolen cars…

Then it changed completely.

It was them together… on a bed… passionately kissing… Her, unbuttoning his shirt…

I had to stop watching then. It was too much. I was about to lose Bella forever. I didn't know how to feel about that.

I silently moved to stand next to Carlisle, who's face was nothing but disappointed.

I had caused all this, by bringing Bella into my life, telling her our secret and leaving her without a second glance.

This was my fault.

And I could do nothing to save us from exposure.

Bella's POV

He seemed to accept this. When I looked back, Edward was standing next to Carlisle. For the first time since I've known them they looked… fragile… helpless.

I hated seeing them like this. It wasn't status quo.

"Lemme take care of this little problem, sugar," Mistah J said, pulling out his gun.

"No!" I said, a little too quickly. He looked down at me. Think, Bella, think. "I… don't think you should hurt them. I mean, they have taken pretty good care of me…"

He rolled his eyes. "You've gone soft on me, buttercup." He leaned in closer. "I don't like it."

He lifted the gun and placed the end on my temple. I knew better than to panic. He enjoyed it. I knew if I kept calm, he wouldn't be tempted to pull the trigger.

I knew this. Edward didn't.

"Don't!" he yelled, taking a step forward.

I winced. Now we were all in for it.

Mistah J looked at him for a moment, before erupting into laughter.

"You think she wants you, child?" he hissed, pushing me to the side. I stumbled, but stayed on my feet. "She doesn't. She belongs with me."

Edward narrowed his eyes. Oh no, please, no.

"I can assure you, deep down she doesn't."

I inhaled. I knew what was coming.

Mistah J lost his smirk, and turned to me.

"Is that true? You don't want to come with me?" He was menacing, but I needed him. I loved him.

And I had to keep my promise.

"I want to go with you," I insisted. "But, I don't want you to hurt them."

Both of them seemed puzzled at my words. Alice and Carlisle shifted nervously on their feet.

Then, I saw why. Esme entered the room slowly.

"They have cameras, my love," Carlisle explained quickly.

Esme nodded in understanding, and joined Alice. They were hopeless. For the first time in what must be a long time… they needed to face a situation as humans.

I couldn't imagine how that must feel.

Mistah J motioned to the men beside him.

"Tie 'em up."

They each unfolded tripods and set the cameras down before stepping towards the Cullens.

"If you try anything," Mistah J said, "I won't hesitate to shoot you. I'm looking forward to it actually."

It was Alice who responded this time.

"Go ahead," she challenged.

I wasn't sure if she was calling his bluff, or genuinely didn't realize that he would.

He frowned. He did not like being challenged.

"Fine," he said, lowering his gun. I knew what was next. He turned it on me. "I'll shoot her."

"You wouldn't," Edward hissed.

Mistah J smiled. "Wanna bet?"

I gulped. I knew Mistah J wouldn't actually shoot me, but I didn't like how they were testing him. Edward must have seen something in his thoughts because he surrendered to the restraints. Upon his surrender, the other followed suit and allowed the men to strap them to chairs they had pulled from various locations around the room.

"You're disgusting," Alice hissed.

"I know," Mistah J said, lowering the gun.

He turned to me. I smiled.

"Let's go, Puddin'," I said, attempting a smile. "They can't move! If we escape now, then –"

"No." He cut me off and motioned for one of the men to bring a chair forward. I stared at it. "Sit," he instructed harshly.

I looked up at him. "Puddin'…"

"Sit."

When I didn't move, he grabbed my shoulder and forced me down onto the chair.

"Ow!" I complained.

The man then used another rope to secure me to the chair. I started to panic.

"Puddin'… what's goin' on?"

He cocked a smile. "You're gonna get your brain flossed."

Alice, Carlisle and Esme looked lost and confused. Edward looked panicked. He was the only one who could tell what he was thinking. Why would I need my brain flossed now?

Jonny was suddenly in the room, carrying two metal rods that were making a soft buzzing noise.

"Hey, Bells," he greeted. "We'll have you outta here in no time."

"Mistah J," I said, staring at the rods. "Why-"

"You have a tracker in your neck," he reminded me. "We need to disarm it."

I blinked. What? I knew there was something in my neck. I knew they'd implanted it. But surely, Mistah J knew someone who could disarm it from the outside.

"Couldn't ya just… you know… ask someone to do it…" I muttered.

"I could," he agreed. "But where's the fun in that?"

"You bastard!" Edward yelled, crippled from using his strength to break free. "If you touch her-"

"You'll what, pretty boy?" Mistah J bit back, without even looking at him. "You'll sit there quietly and wait for me to finish?"

He burst into laughter. It was normally such a comforting sound… but tonight…

"Mistah J…"

His face softened. He looked down at me lovingly. It was a look I missed so dearly.

"Don't fret, doll," he said. He walked behind me and I heard him pull off his belt. It was between my teeth in an instant. "This will only hurt a whole lot!" He laughed again and I bit down on the leather. "Just like old time, ey?"

Then, I felt it. My entire body tensed as the juice hit my brain. It wasn't as fun as I remembered it to be.

I was screaming, but it was muffled by the belt and drowned out by the sounds of his laughter. Why was he enjoying this so much? He always seemed to enjoy my pain.

Edward's POV

The fucking bastard. If there were no cameras…

I watched helplessly as the rods were placed on either side of Bella's head. Her pain made me grimace. I didn't know why, but it wasn't something I could ever bear witnessing, even after all she's done to us.

After a few moments, I heard a pop. It was too slight for human ears to pick up, but I could hear it. The tracker was disabled. He didn't stop.

"Enough!" I said, helplessly. "It's done!"

"You can never be too sure…" he laughed out.

He laughed at her pain… yet she loved him…

I couldn't think straight.

Bella's POV

Finally, the stinging pain ended. I felt like I'd been deep fried. For the first time, I didn't enjoy my brain floss.

"What's going on sweetheart," Mistah J said sweetly, walking until he was in front of me and knelt down to face me. "You usually enjoy a good cleaning. You didn't even laugh…"

I tried to smile.

"Guess I'm just… not used to it."

He narrowed his eyes before he motioned to Jonny to untie me. He did. I didn't think I could stand yet, but I did after a few attempts.

"Now," Mistah J mused. "What to do with them…"

I returned to my panic. "Nothing! Please, Puddin', I told you I don't want them hurt!"

"I don't care what you want," he snapped at me.

I cowered in fear.

"You do as I say," he reminded me.

"Yes, sir," I surrendered for the moment.

He walked up to the Cullens slowly, enjoying the torment.

"Perhaps… skin you alive… hand grenade… or just shoot you one by one… decisions, decisions…"

I couldn't help it. This isn't what I wanted. I wanted to go home. With Mistah J. I wanted to be his partner again. I didn't want this.

"Mistah J," I said, gathering up my courage. "If you kill them… you'll have to kill me too…"

Alice stiffened for a moment. I knew that look. I hadn't seen it in years, but it was unmistakable. She was seeing something. Something from the future. What had Mistah J decided?

"Is that so?" he asked slowly, stepping towards me. "You've gone soft, kid. Maybe you don't want me anymore."

I quickly shook my head. "I do! Oh, I love you, Mistah J, I do. I just…"

"What?" he encouraged harshly. "Love them more? I have to say," he said, "I'm impressed."

My eyes widened hopefully. "Huh?"

"You've gotten some balls, it seems," he said with a smile.

Was he happy about that? Maybe I should use that.

"I did," I say softly.

His smile darkened. I'd spoken wrong.

"I don't like it."

He was approaching me slowly, threateningly.

"How did you do this?" I heard Esme ask from behind him. Thank God. "How did you connect this camera to the government?"

He smiled. He loved bragging about his plans. The heat was off me for the moment. I was grateful for the rescue I didn't deserve.

"It was simple, really," he said. "I had my men shoot down the guards that stood near Waller's office. They easily tied her up, much like you are, and set it all up. She's watching her failure as we speak!" he laughed, then looked back at me, his eyes a little more relaxed.

"They always try," he started, walking up to me, "to separate us. They can never succeed. She belongs to me."

"She belongs to herself," Carlisle hissed.

Mistah J didn't like this.

"You're the one that's been messing with her head," he laughed out. "I think I'll kill you first."

"No!" I shouted.

I knew what was coming as soon as the words escaped my mouth. He turned back to me, frowning deeply.

"This again? You've lost your edge, sweet cheeks."

He started approaching me. I walked back until I couldn't anymore. There was nothing more than the broken glass wall behind me. I was cornered.

"It's a shame," Mistah J mused. "You were always so good. And such a looker."

I was about to respond, but he didn't give me the time. His hand was around my throat and I was lifted into the air, my feet dangling. I struggled to breathe but I knew if he let go, it was over.

I heard nothing from the Cullens. Had they finally given up on me? I hoped they did. It would make everything so much easier.

Alice's POV

As soon as he grabbed her throat, I placed my hand on Edward's thigh.

"He won't do it," I assured him. "I saw it."

He looked pained.

"We can't save her, Alice. For the first time… we're useless."

I nodded. "She needs to save herself."

"She won't!" he insisted in a sob. "She's too far gone."

I sighed. "She can do it, Edward. You said you'd fight for her. That should mean more than just using your strength. Don't give up on her yet."

If Jasper was here, he might be able to calm the situation. But, he wasn't. We were alone in this. All I could do was hope that something changed that rendered my previous vision null and void.

Something would change.

It had to.

Bella's POV

He threw me against the wall and I hissed out in pain.

He knelt down in front of me once more and grabbed a fistful of my hair pulling it back so I would look at him.

"Gah!" I cried out.

"Aw, baby," he started, looking deeply into my eyes. He mesmerized me, even after all this. "You know I only do what I do because I love you…"

"You bastard!" Edward called out. "He's manipulating you, Bella. Fight it!"

I didn't know what to do.

"He left you, sweetheart," Mistah J reminded me, ignoring the outburst. "They all did. They left you without anyone. I was there. I helped you."

This was true… wasn't it?

"He ruined you!" Edward called back, sensing my doubt and trying to strengthen it. "Think of how he hurts you! How could someone who loves you physically harm you so much?"

This was also true… right? I didn't know what to believe anymore. My brow furrowed.

"You're not a puppet, Bella," he said, softer than before. "Don't let him do this."

I wanted to cry. But I didn't want to show weakness.

Mistah J suddenly stood up.

"Why, you-"

He held up the gun. It was pointed at Edward. I couldn't think. I didn't. I jumped up and attached myself to Mistah J's back.

In no time, he flung me off him.

"Stop this!" he demanded, before turning back to Edward. "I have something special in mind for you."

"The ceiling," I heard from in front of me.

Alice. She was saying something, but the words didn't make sense.

"The ceiling in your bedroom," she said, her eyes narrowing.

Did she expect me know what that meant?

The ceiling… what could be in the ceiling that-

My eyes widened as realization cut off my own thoughts.

They put my shit in the ceiling.

I couldn't help but burst out in laughter.

Mistah J looked down at me, pleased. Did he think I was laughing because of his threats?

"I knew you were still my girl," he said.

My heart fluttered. I couldn't possibly hurt this man. I loved him. He loved me. What relationship doesn't have it's ups and downs, after all? If I spoke calmly, he might just listen.

"If we leave without hurting them…" I start, getting up to stand beside him. "They won't try to chase us straight away…"

I knew trying to reason with him was a 50/50 chance, but I had to try.

He rolled his eyes. "Whatever. Get the phone."

I gulped. The phone. The phone I had broken. The phone Alice had turned to ash…

"Now!" he ordered.

I squeaked and ran down the hall. I was terrified of leaving, it made me unable to sense if he was about to do something…

Once I was in my room, I knew what I had to do.

I stood up on my bed and pushed on the square piece of the ceiling above me. No movement. There was a break here somewhere. There had to be. I shuffled around on the bed until finally, above the bottom right corner, the board moved upwards.

I quickly pushed it up far enough that it was out of balance, and tore it from above me. I dropped it onto the bed next to me and stuck my hand into the crevice I'd found.

My hand stopped when it latched onto something. I pulled it out slowly, unsure of what it was.

My baseball bat. I had it specially designed for me. It even had the word 'good night' painted onto the side.

If only I could find my gun.

"Hurry up!" I heard Mistah J call.

I didn't have the time. I looked down at the bat in my hand and sighed.

This would have to do.

All I needed was a moment. Just to incapacitate him for a second. I'd break the cameras and allow the Cullens to escape. Then he could punish me any way he saw fit.

I just needed a moment.

When I got back to the front room, Mistah J was standing and tapping his foot impatiently.

"Well?" he pressed, outstretching hand.

Right. The phone.

"Ya see, Puddin'," I started rubbing the back of my neck. "It kinda… broke…"

That was true.

The hand he had brought forward collided with my face, once again, throwing me to the wall.

"You truly are useless, aren't you?" he hissed.

I felt something smash into my left temple and before I could think of what it was, I was out.

Alice's POV

"You say you love her, yet you kick her until she loses consciousness?" I cry out.

Bella was slumped against the wall, no life could be seen other than the gentle rising of her chest as she breathed.

The smell of her blood flooded into the air the moment his foot made contact with her head.

I was now grateful that Jasper wasn't a part of this.

Edward was absolutely livid beside me.

"You filth!" he exclaimed.

"Edward," I warn. "We can't… I'm sorry…"

We all desperately wanted to lunge forward, to help Bella. But we couldn't.

The Joker reached his hand back and let it push his green hair back.

"She's too much baggage. You all really did a number on her." He laughed.

"You ruined her!" I snap. "Do you feel no guilt? Look at what she is because of you!"

"You drove her to me," he laughed. Then, he once again pointed the gun at Edward. "She searched for you, you know."

Edward's eyes widened.

"She didn't go looking for you, you desperate fool," the Joker laughed again. "What she saw in you… she saw in me. She's told me. I'm the better version of you."

Carlisle growled. "You're not a better version of anything."

The Joker cocked his head to the side. "I'm the version that never left!"

"You have left!" I say. "You left her for dead countless times!"

"So did you!" he challenged, his eyes never leaving Edward. "But I always came back."

He considered our words for a moment, before smiling widely and lowering the gun.

"Perhaps you all have a point, though," he admitted. I raised my brow. Edward growled beside me, already knowing what was coming. He turned the gun on Bella. "She is becoming just some extra weight to carry. She was fun at first, believe me…" Edward's growl became a stream of snarls. "But… she's gone soft. An easily replaceable toy."

He cocked the gun.

Edward roared and we knew what was coming. My vision. I couldn't let this happen.

Could we really expose what we are to Amanda Waller for the sake of keeping Bella safe?

Before I could decide, I heard a soft, broken voice.

"Mistah J?" Bella whimpered, staring at the gun pointed directly at her. "What's goin' on?"

A/N Will the Cullens expose themselves to keep Bella alive? Will the Joker really shoot Bella?

Review to find out! The more reviews I get the more anxious I'll be to update and the quicker I'll work through my assignment to get back to you guys!

Let me know what you think!