A/N: I am on my knees in forgiveness! I am so sorry for not updating. I don't really have much of an excuse): This would have been uploaded sooner, but I kept rewriting it.

I'm going to try to update as much as possible now so that I can finally get this story done.

This chapter just kind of explains a lot of things.

Disclaimer: I do not own Coraline.

Chapter 12

Austin trembled as he walked, the pain in his back stung and the weight of his worry dragged him down. He had so many questions, but had no idea how to even say them.

Cat noticed and said, "Shall I begin?"

Austin nodded silently. Unsure of what to say for once.

Cat nodded and began to weave his tale, "Two years ago, on this very path, walked your sister, Coraline, and I. She was lured here by the Beldam, but she used her wits and bravery to rescue three unfortunate souls from the Beldam and escape, for what she thought was, forever. Any questions?"

Austin lied, "Nothing."

Cat continued, "Now she's found you, and she's learned a few new things waiting for your arrival."

"What do you mean, 'she's learned a few new things'?" Austin asked.

"Tell me Austin," Cat said ignoring his question, "Curiosity led you here the first time, what about the next time, and this time, what was it?"

Austin opened his mouth so say something, but the words caught in his throat.

"You were lured here by a voice in your mind, lulling you into a trance, and being forced here without you even realizing it." Cat answered for him, "Unlike Coraline, you were suspicious from the beginning, it was only the rag doll girl who dulled your sense of right and wrong. The Other Mother implanted a variable that would ensure your fate here in the Other World."

Austin's heart sank. It was all a lie, a trick. Just a lifeless piece of cloth that didn't really care about me in the first place. I was stupid to actually think...

"Now, now," Cat said interrupting his thoughts, "If she never cared about you then why did she set you free from the Other Mother's eye? Do you think the pain in her voice and in her button eyes was fake? I think you know better than that Austin."

Austin hated that Cat for being so right about everything.

Cat continued, "She has virtually the same chord that your doll had, only it has almost total control over her. And if hers is taken out, she will be a lifeless piece of cloth."

"But why would she do that for me?"

Cat gave him look that said, "You know why."

And he did.

Austin didn't answer, instead he asked something that had been on his mind, "What else has changed since Coraline was here?"

Cat smirked, or at least Austin thought he saw him smirk, and said, "Besides the horrible plays and rats in fancy uniforms, that's about it."

Cat saw Austin smile out of the corner of his eye, but as the white world faded into the house he saw it fade as well.

A/N: Sorry this was so short): But now I need to get a few opinions on something.

Should Coraline be behind the mirror, or Daylie? I'll let you guys decide. And I have two endings, a happy predictable ending or a sad ending with a surprise twist? Please Review!(: