A/N: I'm back though I am pretty reluctant on posting this chapter. Literally, I was going back and forth on this because I was debating if I should add a explanation on a certain thing here or in should I integrate in later chapters (or if it is really needed AT ALL). I couldn't go back on my two-week promise so posted the chapter without it though I might end up regretting it later.

"Helping the youkai again, are you Natsume Takeshi"

Upon hearing that eerily, familiar voice from behind, Natsume turned around and instinctively stepped back. There stood Matoba, with a confident smirk and in his black robes, along with several shiki holding large fans.

"Matoba-san" was all Natsume managed to say in his state of shock.

"Wouldn't you know it?", the man continued on as he gazed towards the statue, "Must've been fate that brought you back here"

"Wretched exorcist", Chimeu snarled as he reached for his sword, "What could you have possibly returned here for?"

"You know exactly what", Matoba retorted before sternly ordering, "Hand over the gem"

"Matoba-san", Natsume interrupted before a fight could break out, "Please return the necklace. They've done nothing to harm you"

"Why?", the exorcist asked before sadistically adding, "It's easier to kill them en mass this way"

"Why you-" But before Chimeu could make a move, something pierced him and sent the youkai flying back.

"Chimeu-san!" Natsume called out but before he could turn to run, shadows shot out of the ground and grabbed a hold on both of his ankles. Madara raced towards the boy but a sudden, strong force had stopped him.

A powerful gust brewed in the area, sending back many of the youkai. Madara flew up while Saisei shielded the smaller youkai with his cloak. Natsume had to bend down, arms protectively in front of him, to prevent himself from falling over. At the corner of his eye, Natsume saw something wisp through but as he got up to chase after it, his centre of gravity shifted. His upper-body support weakened and with the strong winds still against him, his anchored ankles brought his whole body down.

Just as quickly as it came, the gust stopped, leaving a dust storm as a temporary reminder of its existence. Natsume got up though almost immediately fell down from the low-blood circulation. While the shadows no longer held his ankles down, he felt the ache throb from the tight grip that had once held him. He looked around: the youkai were more scattered out, many looking much worse off than before. Saisei seemed more worn out though the younger youkai he protected appeared to be fine though terribly frightened. Madara flew down towards Natsume's side.

"Damn it! He escaped!" Madara cursed.

"He stole it!" Chimeu shouted out while standing in front of the statue.

Natsume, Madara and Saisei rushed towards the fountain. Sure enough, the other piece was gone. The water from the basin had disappeared as well.

"That's it! I'm going after that exorcist and getting it back" Chimeu angrily announced.

"No, he's too dangerous", Saisei warned before blocking his path, "You know you can't take him on, especially since you're injured. He'll kill you at the chance"

"But we can't allow the youkai here to die and him to just get away with the gem and-"

"I'll retrieve it"

They all looked towards Natsume.

"Are you sure about this?" Madara asked with dead seriousness in his tone, the involvement of Matoba being the main factor.

The boy looked back at the injured youkai. Tired…weak…in pain...A couple of the younger ones were crying and some were shivering from the trauma. And all so they can die an early death...

"I'm positive" Natsume affirmed.

A/N: I came back like I said I would (with hopefully a satisfying chapter).

I know I just came back but I'm not sure how regular I can keep with updates, ranging between a week to a month. I'm actually EXTREMELY busy next month with assignments and tests and meetings and BLAH (not to mention I caught a pretty bad flu over the past week so I have a lot to catch up with). I will do my best to get whatever I can get done on the fanfic. I am really so sorry, guys. I really hope you understand. You don't know how bad I feel doing this to you guys. I'll make sure I make it up for ya!