The battlefield had long since fallen silent, but the storm inside Kei raged on. She stood where Teri had vanished, the warmth of his flames still lingering in the air. Her heart pounded in her chest, torn between love and fury. She wanted to scream, to run after him and demand why he kept pushing her away. But instead, she remained frozen, her mind racing through every word he had said.

"I'm sorry."

The apology echoed in her mind like a haunting melody, as if the words themselves carried all the pain he had refused to express. Kei clenched her fists, the air around her growing colder as her icy aura flared. She knew Teri was hurting, but he was wrong. He didn't have to go through this alone.

He doesn't understand... she thought. He doesn't know what we could be together.

But Kei had no time to dwell. A surge of dark energy interrupted her thoughts, a reminder that the war wasn't over. The chaos creatures were still out there, and the Storm Guardian was watching, waiting for the right moment to strike. The battle for the future of the world hadn't ended, and neither had her fight for Teri.

I can't lose focus now, she reminded herself, forcing her emotions down. I'll find him later. First, I have to win this war.

Kei turned away from the spot where Teri had disappeared, her eyes narrowing as she surveyed the desolate landscape. The remnants of the chaos army lingered on the horizon, shadows slithering across the ruins of what was once a peaceful land. The Storm Guardian's presence could be felt everywhere, oppressive and suffocating, like a dark cloud blotting out the light.

Her allies were scattered, regrouping after the last battle, but Kei had no time to rest. She could feel the Guardian's power growing stronger, a storm building just beyond the horizon. It was only a matter of time before the final confrontation.

But even as she steeled herself for the battles ahead, her thoughts kept drifting back to Teri. She could still feel his presence, faint but undeniable, a flicker of warmth in the distance. He was out there, somewhere, burning brighter than ever.

Kei's heart clenched. She could sense it now, more clearly than before—Teri's power was spiraling out of control. The flames that once symbolized his strength and passion were now wild, destructive. If she didn't reach him soon, he would be lost to the fire.

But how could she leave the battlefield when the world was at stake?

"Kei."

A voice called out from behind her. Kei turned to see Ignis approaching, her friend and ally, with a concerned look on her face. "What happened back there? You look shaken."

Kei forced a small smile. "It's nothing. I... just saw Teri."

Ignis raised an eyebrow. "Teri? I thought he vanished. You found him?"

Kei nodded, her expression darkening. "I did. But... he's different now. Stronger, but more dangerous. He's losing control."

Ignis frowned, crossing her arms. "And you're planning to go after him, aren't you?"

Kei hesitated, torn between her duty to her allies and her love for Teri. "I don't know what to do," she admitted quietly. "I can't abandon the fight against the Guardian, but if I don't stop Teri... he'll destroy himself."

Ignis placed a hand on Kei's shoulder, her eyes filled with understanding. "You're always putting everyone else before yourself, Kei. But sometimes, you need to follow your heart. If you think you can save him, then go. We can handle things here."

Kei looked at her friend, grateful for her support but unsure of the right choice. "What if I'm too late?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ignis gave her a reassuring smile. "You've never given up on anyone before. Don't start now."

Kei nodded, her resolve hardening. Ignis was right. Teri needed her, and she couldn't ignore that. But she also couldn't abandon her comrades. There had to be a way to balance both.

A sudden flare of energy interrupted their conversation. The ground shook beneath them, and the sky above darkened with swirling clouds. The air crackled with electricity as a figure emerged from the shadows.

The Storm Guardian.

Kei's breath caught in her throat. He was finally here.

The towering figure loomed over the battlefield, his body crackling with raw power. His eyes, cold and calculating, locked onto Kei as if he had been waiting for this moment all along.

"You," the Guardian's voice boomed, echoing across the landscape. "You're the one they call the Shivering Tempest. You've become quite the thorn in my side."

Kei stepped forward, her icy aura intensifying as she prepared for battle. "And I'm not done yet."

The Guardian sneered, raising his hand as dark energy began to swirl around him. "You think you can stop me? Your powers are nothing compared to mine."

Kei felt the weight of his power bearing down on her, but she didn't falter. She had come too far, fought too hard, to back down now. "Maybe. But I'm not alone."

Ignis stepped up beside her, her fiery aura blazing to life. "Let's take him down together, Kei."

The two friends stood side by side, their powers combining in a swirling dance of fire and ice. The Storm Guardian laughed, his voice filled with arrogance. "Fools. You don't stand a chance."

Kei's heart raced as the battle began. The air was thick with tension, the clash of elements shaking the ground beneath them. But even as she fought with everything she had, her mind kept drifting to Teri. She could feel him, somewhere far away, his power growing more unstable by the second.

I'll save you, Teri, she vowed silently, dodging a blast of dark energy. I promise.

The battle raged on, but Kei's thoughts remained focused. She would defeat the Storm Guardian, but after that, she would find Teri. No matter what it took.

Next time on The Showdown: Last part – Episode 17: Flames of Destiny

Kei's battle with the Storm Guardian intensifies, but the stakes grow higher as Teri's power spirals dangerously out of control. Will Kei manage to save her world and the man she loves, or will she be forced to make an impossible choice?

Find out in The Showdown: Last part – Episode 17: Flames of Destiny.