The Doll Maker

The Face of the Doll

A/N: Yeah my first CCS fic! I am looking for a beta that is familiar with CCS (e.g. character names and personalities etc.) because I have no clue whatsoever… lol. If you would like to beta this story please tell me! I would really appreciate it. ;;

Disclaimer: The beginning is loosely based on the short story by Beth M. Applegate of the same title, all credits to her. And as usual I do not own anything; it is quite sad actually.

OOOO Prologue OOOO

A man loaded firewood into a dirty, heavy looking wheelbarrow. A little boy stood close by, watching with wide eyes.

'If you angle your axe like this, son, the wood will chip off easier.' The weather-beaten man explained to his young son.

Li Syaoran looked up at his father, and following his example, swung his axe deep into the dark wood of the nearest tree. He gripped the small axe tightly and pulled with all his might to loosen the bark. A small flake fell off and his father beamed.

'You are doing very well for your first day, Syaoran.' He commented. 'Why don't you take a break and look around for more branches? Mother would certainly appreciate the extra help with the firewood!'

'Okay father,' Syaoran said happily as he ran off, hearing his fathers' distant 'Don't go too far off the track, we have to be back at the castle by 7:00pm!'

It was the beginning of autumn, and Syaoran had just turned 12. His family served as serfs under the His most Gracious, Lord Kinomoto. Syaoran never really thought much of his life- to him there wasn't anything important that existed outside of the Falyss Palace Forest District.

Walking around peacefully, listening to the leaves crunch under his footsteps, Syaoran noticed a patch of ground under a giant pine tree. It had many dry, good quality branches underneath it.

'Ah,' Syaoran uttered softly, with a relieved face. There was no more need to wander off further, as there were plenty for him to do here.

Gathering up as many branches as he could hold in his arms, he noticed an odd piece of wood lying close by. A knot in the hardwood stood out, making it seem as though it was a child's face. Darker portions resembled two warm eyes surveying him.

Syaoran's thin face broke into a smile. It was quite a find; maybe his father could find a use for it later on. Slipping it into his pocket, he continued with his task.

OOOO

I know it's awfully short, but it's just a prologue! I'm also not sure what kind of reaction I'm going to get from y'all If y'all love it, and I get a beta, I will post up the next chapter! If y'all hate it… then… nervous chuckle

So please review! Tell me whatcha think of this ;;

Luv, Pinki