Previously…

This unexpected reunion opened his eyes to the realization that someone did truly care for his existence in this world. It reaffirmed his desire for deeper more cherished emotions in his life such as joy, hope and tenderness. There was only one other person that has ever made him feel this way…one name summoned to his mind that gave him such peace…Misaki.

A/N: All dialogue will be in Japanese, unless in bold which will be in English.

Chapter 7: Legacy

England 7:17 p.m.—April 13 (2 weeks prior)

Embarrassed by her abrupt confession, Sayuri rubbed her fingers over her forehead as she tried to hide the faint blush that came to her face. "I cannot even begin to erase the burden that you must have carried all these years. I do not blame you if you are wary of me, but I had every good intention in mind by all my actions when it came to Geri and you."

The tone in her voice promptly altered from remorse to urgency. "Now, let us get back to the situation at hand. It is imperative that you understand the enormity of this situation that the family is now embroiled in. As I've been made aware that you will not assist this family out of duty, then I will point out another factor that my dear Geri and that jackass have been remiss in mentioning to you. You may wish to aid this family for the sake of…your Okaa-san."

Surprised yet again, Takumi didn't understand why his mother is being brought up now. He could not fathom what role she played in this issue as she had long departed since the day of his birth. He did not miss Sayuri's continence swiftly changed from being somber to mournful affection as her mind reminisced over fleeting nostalgic memories. "Even though she became frivolous and rampant in her later years, at a very early age, my Brenna was an extraordinary woman with an uncanny ability to immediately grasp the most complex and complicated concepts especially in the sense of business. It seems that you must have inherited this exceptional trait from her, Taki."

Impatiently, Takumi looked at Sayuri in annoyance. "You're digressing, Obaa-san. What does Okaa-san have to do with the current family situation?"

Not liking his tone, Gerard interposed. "Don't be so insolent, Takumi. If you must know, the current Walker financial empire that everyone holds in such high esteem was established by our dear Mother. As you may not be aware, my condition is not the only rumors going around. There are far worse than the questionable succession of the Walker lineage. We have tried to screen certain information from the public, but it seemed to have also leaked that we are being black-balled both financial and politically by unknown sources. Our valuable credibility is being suspected…being torn down bit by bit. "

Sayuri looked distressfully at both Takumi and Gerard. "I've watched my Brenna give her heart and soul into building this Empire from the ground up…to the point that she doubted her own sanity…just to create a legacy for her children. I am asking you both to remember your Okaa-san not as the woman who gave birth to you but as the woman who loved you even before you were conceived. She had methodically planned for each of your futures…and now her legacy is being attacked."

She gave Takumi a pleading look. "We need your support in this matter as you have the most innate and analytical abilities that we so desperately need right now. I beg you to help us save what your Okaa-san had worked so diligently to build."

Takumi looked at her doubtfully. "Please…I do not wish to listen to another perfect lie."

"At this moment, this is the most honest any of us has been with you, Taki. I completely opposed to Gabe's belligerent way of requesting your assistance, but like usual, he obstinately disregarded my difference. Now, with the escalating situation, even he is willing to make a few sacrifices to save this company. Of course, it is my understanding that jackass has even offered to negotiate with you. Isn't that so, Geri?"

Her surprisingly passionate plea disturbed Gerard so that he answered her abrupt question without thinking, "Yes, he knew that you would never listen to him so he gave me instructions to discuss a compromise, but he will not concede with anything that pertains to your Ayuzawa whom he describes as 'that insignificant, impoverish commoner'."

It took every ounce of Takumi's restraint to not express his outrage at hearing Misaki addressed so derogatorily. He gave Gerard a speculative expression. "My Ayuzawa?"

Knowingly he merely responded, "It should not be a surprise to you that we are aware of the deepening relationship with her."

Takumi let out a deep sigh. "If you know that then I will not even try to hide it anymore. As I've already said to Maria months before, I will say it again. No matter what path I choose, if it is to sacrifice something, the only thing that I won't sacrifice is Ayuzawa. I think that only being with Ayuzawa, no matter what happens, I can get through it."

Gerard looked skeptically at him. "I must admit that my first impression of her was that of a very strong-willed woman by I cannot comprehend what else you see in her."

Takumi simply replied, "Everything."

For the first time, he gave them a glimpse of a genuine smile. As Gerard astonishingly gaped at seeing the sheer happiness in Takumi's eyes in that brief moment, Sayuri couldn't help but longingly compare that smile to the one that she yearned to see on another man's face.

Returning back to their previous conversation, she continued, "As I have been kept apprised of the continuous development in your relationship with her, I clearly see your resolve in the matter with this Ayuzawa woman, Taki. I will admit, I do like her in a way. She's got spunk."

Takumi didn't know how to react to hearing a family member's approval of Misaki let alone it coming from Sayuri.

She continued, "As I have had a lot of time to contemplate, I may have come up with another solution that may sway your decision. I will caution you though that with any available option that you may have, if you intend to not sacrifice your future with her, you will be required to yield your present without her."

Takumi looked quizzically at her. "What do you mean, Obaa-san?"

"Isn't it better to surrender the brief present with her than to possibly suffer the extensive future without her? Are you not overwhelmed by the uncertainty that clouds your future due to the chains that bind you to the past? I do commend you on your valiant efforts to oppose that jackass for such a long period of time, but your resistance is futile as he has unlimited amount of resources at his disposal. It is only a matter of time before you will be too weary to even fight back, and you will then be at a disadvantage to negotiate anything. So why not take this opportunity to place yourself in a more advantageous position before you are cornered with no other available options?"

Interested in her words, Gerard interrupted, "Hmmm…like a game of chess?"

"Exactly like chess, Geri. Concede but not concede. As this is a battle between dominance and independence, present a rebuttal to Gabe's demands with your own demands, Taki. Offer him assistance only as a temporary successor until this volatile business situation has been resolved in exchange for no interference in your personal affair. As this seem fairly beneficial to both parties involved, Gabe may acquiesce to this arrangement, but be aware, as I know all too well how stubborn he is, I do not see him compromise about your Ayuzawa-san. He will not allow you to have any direct contact with her as he deems her to be a hindrance to your full potential."

Takumi gazed out at the window to look upon the rising moon and early evening stars. "I can be stubborn as well and like I said before, I will not sacrifice when it comes to Ayuzawa…," he suddenly looked like he had an epiphany as a rueful smile crept on his face. He softly whispered, "Of course, there are other means of contact."

Gerard gave him a wary glance. "I really do not like the look on your face."

His smile quickly vanished, placed with a serious expression. "Let's discuss that later. Instead, let's discuss the probability that Obaa-san's proposal will even receive his consent. Although it is very enticing, what guarantee do we have that he will graciously accede to it?"

Sayuri smiled coyly, "Do not underestimate my power of persuasion that I still hold over Gabe…and if needed, I will have my dear Geri here to support our case. Wouldn't you, my dear?"

Gerard released a heavy sigh but smile nonetheless. "Since I've witnessed that determined look on your face only once, Obaa-san, I remember all too clearly how you were like a trap between an unstoppable force and an immovable object, so I do not see that I have any choice in the matter. I can tell that nothing will deter you from accomplishing your goal. Of course, I will gladly give my support to Takumi…for whatever that's worth."

Takumi looked at both Sayuri and Gerard questioningly, "Why are you doing this for me? I cannot seem to fathom what motivation you both would have to assist me in such a manner."

Sayuri placed her hand in one of her pockets and slowly pulled out a small black velvet box. She stood in front of Takumi and offered it reverently to him. "Before I answer your question, please open this."

He opened the box and stared at the item inside in disbelief. She appreciated his reaction as she began to explain, "I can see that you recognize it since it was her favorite piece. I feel that she would want you to have it as she was not able to fulfill her desire to watch you grow up to be such a fine man that you are today."

With a painful expression, Sayuri gently caressed Takumi's face as a lone tear trickled down her cheek. "Isn't it ironic how certain turn of events result in something so unexpected?" She paused as if to collect her thoughts and emotions. "You see, what Gabe wants to protect is completely different from what I want to protect. My greatest fear is that my Brenna will become only a ghost of memories. As she considered you and Geri as her most precious legacy, I will do whatever it takes to protect both of you…for she was my priceless legacy that was taken too soon from me."

The sorrow and grief in her words washed over Takumi. He never would have imagined someone such as herself would feel so passionate especially about him. He simply gave her an appreciative smile and replied, "Thank you."

As she returned his smile, her gaze switched to Gerard in apprehension as he had been unusually silent. She moved to softly brush his cheek. Surprised by the soothing touch, Gerard could only stare into Sayuri's anxious eyes as they silently conveyed her concern for him. He was emotionally choked by her declaration of devotion as he did not miss his inclusion in her statements. Her words made him realize some of the reasons for her past actions. They made him question all that he once knew about her. Strangely, this made him recognize his inner determination.

Calmed by her comforting touch, he took a deep breath as he looked at Takumi unwaveringly and began, "Since I've been spending most of my time in this room, I've had a lot of time on my hands to reflect my past, present and future. With that time, I have come to realize how trivial my very existence has been. I wondered as I see people come to me everyday with their fake smiles and praise, how many of these faces will truly morn me when I no longer exist. I continuously ask myself, 'What legacy will I leave behind when I'm gone from this Earth?' The reality of the simplistic answer to this question slapped me square in the face. I have nothing significant to leave behind…at least none that I can truly call my own. Yes, there are many achievements that I am associated with, but they were all by the efforts of others. It may be too late, but I wish to change that…starting with you and me."

Nervously, Gerard further clarified, "To be honest with you, I never thought I would be given the opportunity to be of any positive aid to you. So if my willing cooperation may benefit you in any way, I will consider it a small step to rectify our relationship with whatever time I have left. This would seem to be the most appropriate way to begin making amends for my past transgressions toward you. As Obaa-san made it abundantly clear that we are Mother's most precious legacy, I sense that this is what Mother would want me to do."

Takumi never would have guessed that he would witness such a humbling side to Gerard. He could not seem to get rid of the small lump that had formed in his throat as he battled with the quandary of indecisions that engulfed him. Doubts that his perception of Gerard was accurate had crossed his mind. He was unsure of how to react to all the information that was given to him by Sayuri and Gerard. After a long and careful deliberation, he then made his decision.

Takumi turned his back towards them to gaze out into the darkening night sky. "If I agree to this arrangement I would suggest, to avoid suspicions about my sudden change of heart, my excuse would be to give support to my deathly sick brother in his recovery."

Unclear by his statement, Gerard asked, "What in the world do you have in mind, Takumi?"

"Well, Brother, you may want to slowly die with a clear conscience, but I certainly cannot stand idly by to watch you die knowing the fact that I could possibly hold the key to your cure. Let's just say I'm not ready to make you a martyr yet so I am willing to be tested as a possible bone marrow donor match."

Although amazed that Takumi addressed him by that name, Gerard doubted that he understood the difficulties that Takumi will endure by this decision. "Do you understand what you are getting yourself into?"

"I'm well aware of the physical and mental ramifications by my choice. As this is my choice, I do not think I could live with myself if I did not offer to help you…in this way. How can any person be able to turn their backs on their fellow man in his most desperate hour of need? I may be a lot of things, but I'm not that insensitive."

Sayuri looked at him hopefully. "So, Taki, does this mean that you will agree to this new arrangement?"

"Isn't it obvious, Obaa-san? Under the circumstances, how can I not agree now that I may possibly obtain the upper hand? Besides, if Ayuzawa knew the conditions and found out that I may have possibly refused to assist my dear brother in his darkest hour, I do not think I would be able to face her wrath." He shuddered at the thought of a possible confrontation with a wrathful Misaki.

He continued, "So I will magnanimously agree to assist this family…in exchange for one request."

Gerard curiously asked, "What would that be?"

Takumi smiled cunningly as he went over to the forgotten tray and picked up the teapot. "Would you like some more tea, Brother? Let us discuss now what I mentioned earlier about there being other means of contact."

Completion Date: 04/03/2011

A/N: Before anyone asks, the reason why I decided that the words Mother and Brother be translated in English, is that I feel that Gerard interprets his relationship with his mother to be more in the English sense, which is how Takumi feels about his relationship with Gerard. While on the other hand, they both address Sayuri as Obaa-san due to the fact that she is the link to both of their Japanese side.

I am now mentally exhausted with completion of this chapter. Whew, it was so hard to finish! I do hope that I will not disappoint anyone. But f I do not meet everone's high expectation...well, que sera sera. Maybe I'll do better in the next chapter. If it is not asking too much, I do like to know what the reader's favorite part of the story is so far as well as any comments. I do enjoy reading your reactions. Thank you all for your continued support.

Btw, this ends the Walker reunion scene. So, for those that has been anticipating for more Takumi and Misaki scenes, the main story will return in the next chapter. Hope everyone remembers how chapter 4 ended. ;)

I forgot to mention in previous chapters, if any of my readers are curious with the continous development of this story, you may check the progression on my profile.