This was it. This was the day that would forever change her career. After this job, everyone would know, fear, and adore the name ‘The Green Bolt.’ She knew it in her gem.

Grinning from ear-to-ear, Peridot Facet-9T4E Cut-8XL scrolled through the holo-screen of her LE Mk. 28. A few months ago, she became a bounty hunter at the insistence of her dear friend, Nephrite Cut-3XE. While initially hesitant, for the green Gem strictly developed Limb Enhancers before Era 3, Cut-8XL gave it a shot. What was the worst that could happen?

As it turned out, a lot. She almost died on her first mission. Several times, in fact! Everything from the big, beefy thugs who didn’t take kindly to lawmen to the crackle of plasma fire scared the bejeezus her. Cut-8XL ran for her life, only to be thrown back into the fray by her so-called friend. It was pandemonium.

And yet… and yet!

It was fun. A rip-snortin’ good time. The heady rush of combat, the siren song of violence wormed its way through Cut-AXL’s ears and into her gem. She couldn’t get enough of bounty hunting. Better still, it turned out she was a natural shot. Once she stopped panicking and held her gun straight, she could hit targets half a parsec away. And with her stockpile of homemade Limb Enhancers, which bristled with weaponry Homeworld was too blind to appreciate, her arsenal was more deadly than what most riff-raff criminal scum could muster.

Thus began the career of Peril the Green Bolt. Her start was slow, sure; she wouldn’t reach Tier-B like Nephrite chasing after purse snatchers and jaywalkers. The Blackhearts Guild didn't believe she was capable of so much more. After this mission, however, her name would be put on the map. The Guild would surely learn their lesson and give Peril better, juicier missions. They'd be stupid to do otherwise.

Her finger on the holo-screen, Peril eyed it closely. The image of a leery-eyed Piscesiod glared back, the little blue alien dressed in a trench coat and a stupid-looking fedora. He was flanked by two other fishmen, each who looked nasty and tough as nails.

“‘The Ezi Crime Family,’ eh?” said Peril. The green Gem chuckled to herself and dragged an emerald-green tongue across her lips. A gentle gurgle escaped her belly. “Seems like I’ve gotta capture or kill their boss, Selachii the Shark! Hah, sounds like a challenge.”

Pointing the holo-screen until its surface crackled with static, Peril steeled herself.

“Watch out, Mr. Bad Man! ‘Cause the Green Bolt is hot on your trail, and I intend to collect! Nehehehe!”

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And thus we begin, my lovely followers! The first art drive fundraiser for Balthazar's cancer treatment!

For those missed the blog post, my pet Balthazar the Destroyer of Worlds was recently diagnosed with cutaneious lymphoma. Although CL is rare in cats, this skin cancer does occur and typically kills them within a 5-month period. Naturally, I plan to fight tooth & nail to save my poor kitty, and to that end,  WollyGoffy,  delt, myself, and a few other friends have agreed to a collaboration. For every $100 donated to the cause, we will continue this art drive with a max goal of $500. The cancer treatment lasts between 6 months to a year, depending on how well the patient responds, so there will be one art drive every month until Balthazar is cured...

... or the other outcome.

This means the ultimate goal of the art drive ranges from $3K to $6K, but I'd hate to abuse the charity of my fellow Ariyionites by expecting more. So please, if you could, donate to the art drive. If not, your attention, patience, and kind words are appreciated regardless. These next few months will be a difficult time for Balthazar, myself, and the whole family, but the fact that my friends have agreed to this collaboration fills my heart with hope.

Oh, and of course if we exceed the $500 cap during a certain month, it'll flow over into the next art drive. If an overflow continues post-treatment, or if treatment fails to yield a cure, then everyone will be summarily refunded. Not an extra cent goes to my pocket.

For more information, please feel free to check out my blog post in the link below. Additionally, you can find links to the Ko-Fi fundraiser and my BlueSky account, where I'll be posting updates on Balthazar's condition. She was diagnosed last Thursday, March 27 2025, and after next week's blood test, she will begin treatment. Otherwise, thank you all for your time!
The blog post:
https://aryion.com/g4/blog.php?id=85524
Cancer Treatment Fundraiser:
https://ko-fi.com/spider8fiend
Social account & Health Updates:
https://bsky.app/profile/spider8dancer.bsky.social

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Art by my wonderful and faithful friend,  wollygoffy
Peril the Green Bolt belongs to  ruler101 and myself