The Mark

The Zetambaya is a massive reptilian monster that could easily destroy a village. Yet when it emerges from the mountains, it instead merely marks one house in town, by vomiting upon the house’s walls a vile-smelling fluorescent acid that cannot be washed off.

This mark must mean the inhabitant did something so abhorrent that it’s up to us, the villagers, to mete out justice. Sure enough, the inhabitant invariably confesses—perhaps to adultery, stealing, or horrific thoughts.

One day, it may mark your house. You’ll insist you didn't do anything—but we know the truth. The Zetambaya marked you for a reason.