Holly Rayth stood at the threshold, her black cloak billowing slightly as she surveyed the small room. The scythe in her hand caught stray reflections from the TV, which displayed a frantic boss battle. Nearby, Roshi Nakamura's body lay slumped by the console, but his spirit was nowhere in sight—until Holly looked closer at the screen, where a pixelated figure with Roshi’s face fought valiantly on.

Holly knelt beside the console, channeling her reaper powers into her hand. A silvery light reached into the screen, gripping Roshi's ghostly form and pulling him out. His spirit emerged, shimmering and annoyed, his hair tousled and his hoodie translucent. "Hey, what gives? I’m still playing Final Fantasy X. It’s the best game in the series." "Roshi Nakamura, you are dead," Holly intoned, her voice as grave as she could muster. "It’s my job to bring you to your place in the afterlife."

"Oh come on, please let me play a bit more," Roshi pleaded, his pixelated avatar still visible on the TV. "It is standard procedure to play a game of your choice," Holly replied, professional but secretly curious. "If I win, you’ll be taken to Judgement City. If you win, you get a new lease on life—though hopefully with better habits." "I pick Super Smash Brothers. Ultimate. I’ll play Cloud Strife." "So be it," Holly said, settling in. "I’ll play as Princess Zelda."

Characters: Holly Rayth, Roshi Nakamura Battle cries and game music fill the air as they clash in Super Smash Bros. Holly channels years of casual gaming, surprising Roshi with deft moves and clever counters. They play two intense rounds, laughter mingling with frustration, but in the end, Zelda bests Cloud both times. "Now that you lost, you have to come with me," Holly declared, lowering her controller.

"Can’t I stay as a ghost? Going around scaring people sounds really awesome," Roshi asked, hope flickering in his eyes. "You can stay if you have unfinished business," Holly answered, recalling her training. "Well, my unfinished business is playing Final Fantasy X." "Fine," Holly sighed, her tone softening. "You can continue your game, but once you’re finished, I will come for you." "It’s a deal," Roshi grinned, his form flickering with excitement.

Holly allowed herself a small smile, slipping quietly out into the neon-lit night. She knew her work was far from over, but at least, for now, one gamer’s unfinished story would continue—if only until the credits rolled.