A/N: Took me awhile to write this. I had thesis defense…stupid thesis.

FATHER AND DAUGHTER

The ascent was slow. Lars didn't remember how they had gotten to the main elevator, but they were there. Lee was in between Dr. Bosconovitch and Lars; the silence was more labored now the old doctor was here. No words were exchanged and no one seemed to be breathing.

As the elevator climbed, Lars' thoughts raged inside his head, dying to talk to Dr. Bosconvitch, wanted answers to his questions but couldn't put them into sequence.

Alisa. That was the only thing that was clear in his turbid thoughts.

As the elevator climbed, Lars' world swelled with hope. Only a couple of floors and he was secretly anticipating every ping of the elevator.

She's going to wake up, talk to me again…smile at me again. The very thought of her smiling at him made the corners of his mouth twitch into a quick smile.

Alisa's going to be alright. I'm going to take her to see the world, I'm going to be with her again and I'm going to say all those things that I've never said before…

Just the two of us.

But something suddenly crossed his mind, and stole a quick glance at the indifferent and quiet expression of Dr. Bosoconovitch.

He's going to take her back.

That might be the reason why he came here. He's her father after all. He bit his lip and quickly thought of something. He could beg him to let Alisa be with him, even for a few months, if not, a few weeks, if not, a few days….If not, maybe just a glimpse of her smiling at him the moment she's reactivated…and hear her voice even if it was 'goodbye'.

They finally reached the robotics research laboratory. Still, silence hung like a blade. Lee cleared his throat and said something that he needs some matters to attend to and stayed in the elevator. Lars was thankful that he was a very tactful man. He and Dr. Bosconovitch stepped out of the elevator and into the corridor which was now the Violet System's robotic research facility.

"Dr. Bosconovitch, did you come here on your own?" Lars asked, finally finding the right time to speak.

"Yes. Don't worry, I'm do not like taking body guards with me, especially ones provided by the Zaibatsu." He replied with a kind voice.

"But isn't the Mishima Zaibatsu and G Corporation are still on one another throats?"

"So what will the Zaibatsu do? Kill me?" He said with a humorless laugh. "Let them try, and we'll see if they're confident enough to push the U.N. around again. Either way, even if they don't need me anymore, I'll see Alisa again. No matter what."

Lars fell silent. He admired the old doctor's bravery and resolve to see his daughter.

They entered the laboratory. Lars allowed the old doctor to go ahead of him but it seemed like Dr. Bosconovitch was hurrying his pace. He kept on thinking on what words to say to the old doctor if he would say that he'd like to have Alisa back and forbid him from seeing her again. He would tell him how he felt about her, even if it meant getting on his knees and begging. They finally reached the room where Alisa's body was kept.

"Oh, sweetie…" Dr. Bosconovitch said sadly the moment he saw Alisa's frame. The old doctor quickly swept towards her. He clasped her hand, stroked her hair and gently kissed her forehead.

Lars held back and allowed father and daughter to be reunited. It looked a bit sad.

"I'm so sorry this had to happen…I'm so sorry." Dr. Bosconovitch said, stroking Alisa's hair.

He's a good dad; he never lacked giving affection. The way Alisa had talked about him he's definitely a good father. The affection he had shown right now already said everything. He's the kind of father who would protect their children to the last breath. A father who wouldn't make their children a tool for a disposal of another…so then…

"…why?" Lars said out loud, finishing his thoughts.

Dr. Bosconovitch looked up, his face impassive. For a few moments, the two men, old and young, looked into each other, tried to decrypt the other's thoughts.

"Dr. Bosconovitch," Lars started. "I know you really love Alisa, but –"

"Why did I make a robot that's designed to serve Kazama Jin unquestioningly with my daughter's image?" the old doctor interrupted. It caught Lars for a moment. So he was prepared for that question.

"Yes. Why?"

Dr. Bosconovitch looked very unhappy and looked away from Lars and Alisa and glanced at the floor.

"Technology today has made startling advancements at an alarming rate…Now is the computer age. For most people, androids and robots represent the advancement of technology. They can do almost about everything and anything; after all they do anything you program them to do." He started blankly; he then removed his gaze off the pristine laboratory floor and looked at Lars, straight in the eyes, with his exhausted and aged ones.

"A robot exists primarily and impassively because human beings give them goals. Robots, like machines, will not be active as long as they are tools for human beings."

Lars looked at him incredulously; his words were similar to what Jin said about Alisa. Anger licked his insides. Is this man really her father? But before he could say anything, the old man sighed deeply and his tired eyes expressed terrible sadness. It seemed like he regretted what he had said.

"It's a fact. Robots, no matter human they may seem, are still machines. I know Alisa can be mistaken for a human girl, but it doesn't hide the fact that she is still a robot. It's undeniable. …But that depends on the person. They can be more than machines. Such as the case with mine." He said. "It's not like I agree with that fact. Every time I would think about Alisa I always forget about that."

"What do you mean?"

"Please don't get me wrong." Dr. Bosconovitch apologized sadly. "I love Alisa. I love her so much. I know you are blaming me for what happened to her. If you are to attack me, as I know I have thoroughly deserve it."

"Of course I won't. That's not what I meant. I was just surprised at what you said about Alisa because she's your daughter. I don't blame y—"

"It is my fault on what happened to Alisa." Dr. Bosconovitch said. "The blame is mine alone to take. I was trying to keep her alive. An old man's mistake. But my life, for the past fifty years, didn't give me options to choose and my choices are based on the precariousness of the situation. Please understand."

The sudden change of the doctor's demeanor was so surprising and unpredictable. Lars' anger quickly disappeared. Maybe his age has taken its toll on him and after all, the doctor does look exhausted. He knew for a fact that Dr. Bosconovitch was forced to work for the Mishima Zaibatsu. Anger quickly disappeared and pity took place.

"I suppose I should tell you. I ask only patience. You can have your chance of raging at me—to do whatever you like—when I'm done. I won't stop you. Please let me explain."

A/N: A bit short. The third chapter is much longer. Please review.