An Eclipsing Star
What, exactly, does one feel about the passing of an abhorred torch? 100-word ficlet.

Reading the death notices, he noticed the account of yet another Shogunate supporter cut down during the night. It had been a sloppy job—far too much telling detail had found its way into the write-up.

The sudden whirl of conflicting emotions almost unbalanced him.

Annoyed impatience: So much cleaner had it been my work.

Horror of scattered memories: Blood smelling like fear. The tension of the stalk, the release of the attack. The prickles of stealthy flight, to avoid detection, further killing, deeper thoughts.

Overwhelming relief: No longer my burden.

Then, suddenly, a new thought: Who carries this burden now?