commission for lostkitsune on FA of their cutie oc, Chrystal relaxing in a book nook with her deck fanned out~ looks like she's ready for a game!

Ice Creations

I looked into the mirror

Saw the past

Me.

That little fella

Full of life,full of hope

Little hands, so immature.

Waving to me

Ask what happened? Why the change?

How can I say

he recognizes his (sexual) attraction to girls/women and reads it romantically, because well. he's from the 80s. he doesn't have the split attraction model. he thinks Crystal is "fit" so he must want to date her--and eventually his feelings for her do become more than just thinking she's hot.

but on the flipside, it's much easier for him to write off his attraction to men because sure, he'll recognize when a guy is attractive, but that doesn't mean he wants to date the guy. there's no romantic interest there. it's an objective thing. objectively, Edwin has a nice sharp jawline, and pretty green eyes.

and sure, he loves Edwin more than he's ever loved anyone, but that's platonic. right? and sure, he's not sure he's ever been in love, or what that even means, but he knows he's liked girls. and he's never really examined that, never had a reason to.

I'd prefer not to spend an entire post listing every flaw or missed opportunity I can come up with for the comic (we don't want to repeat what happened that made the creator want to end his own comic in the first place). However, I do agree that some missed opportunities could've helped if they had been expanded on or used alternatively.

Starting from some of the things you've stated:

Speed's past: I think it would've been fun if the main character had the initial outer look of being a simple, dense Jolteon, as he seems to be in Chapter One. But over time, the readers and the other squad members slowly start questioning the Jolteon and his past as his siblings, even when not knowing too much, reveal some things they've seen or heard from their big brother. Heck, this could even lead to a cleaner transition to the more serious lore as the more you learn about the main protagonist, the deeper and more complex things get. He'd be like a protagonist who chooses to not share stuff since he truly just wants to leave it all behind for a peaceful life.

Speed's family dynamic: Yeah....there could definitely have been more scenes with Kris and Flare and their dynamic and bond with Speed. Speed wasn't just their older brother, but he was their parent and protected them. This could then add to their character and how their past shapes how they are with the rest of the squad. Case in point:

-- Speed would be someone who would try to be the most responsible and parental of the entire squad. He had lived his entire life without having the chance to be a kid, since from the start, he had to take care of Flare, Kris, and later be an actual father(without ever having one of his own to base it off of) to Sunshine.

-- Flare could be overreliant on Speed. Speed was the only figure he could ever turn to his entire life, and now with a new environment he isn't used to, with other Eeveelutions, Flare would struggle to open up to any of them since they aren't his older brother.

-- Kris would be an interesting case. I think it'd be fitting if her joyfulness and constant teasing were her way to help her brother. By putting up a more childish front, she would try to make Speed have more fun now since he never got to. If anything, her nudging Speed toward a relationship could be less about her own ships coming true, but rather Kris just wanting Speed to focus on himself and his wants, such as finding others to spend time with. In this case, she'd be more aware of what's going on in Speed's jobs later on and would hide it away from Flare, so he doesn't have to worry.

Obviously, there could be more detail, but I hope you get what I mean.

Vacation Section: I think that's just the case of cramming in too many characters to the point you couldn't really let all of them shine, especially with the families of other members of the squad. I think it would've been better if the chapters before had made room to bring in development and an introduction to the entire squad before moving on to the families, and even then, it would have to relate to the squad members specifically instead of overly focusing on the parents.

For Other Opportunities that were missed(like I said, I'm not listing them all):

Pearl's mind-reading: Pearl reading minds would've made a cool chapter, as we could get to see her perspective, dreams, and views of the other members, given that she could know their thoughts. Granted, she does try not to look through others' heads, but she had mentioned that sometimes she still reads certain thoughts accidentally. I think this would've worked in Chapter 2, 3 or even 4, as the readers would be able to get brief information on how Pearl found each of them, why they're here(the dream), what each member usually thinks about or what each member wants, and later expand on that with their respective perspectives in future chapters. It would even show her more mature, motherly side, as we see later, instead of the yandere Pearl we had at the start.

The Berserk virus: I honestly think it would work better if the entire squad had some involvement, encounter, or past with the virus. I was quite surprised when I saw 80% chilling and ignorant of it all while 20% (Speed and Flare) had their own plot completely away from the vacation, without anyone knowing. If, let's say, during the vacation, a tragedy struck involving the berserk virus, then this would lead to more questions regarding Speed's past, as I mentioned before. Speed would be forced to reveal things and realize that, even if he wants to live peacefully, he can't simply just neglect it all ever existing.

Ultra Instinct: Not going to lie, Speed having something similar to Ultra Instinct, as explained in Chapter 5(where he actually dodges for once), at the very start would've turned Speed abuse into attempted Speed abuse. It'd be actually funny seeing Speed just casually dodge every hit without trying, hinting that he's far stronger than he makes others believe. Lazuli would complain, and Speed would apologize...and then dodge another punch. Not saying it justifies Speed abuse, but I think it would be better if it was ATTEMPTED Speed abuse(with constant failure) than Speed ending up in bandages again and again.

Luckily, there's a thing called fanfics, where we could apply changes that we think work better than the original story. Who knows. Maybe others also want said changes, too.

i lowkeke missed a bunch of days so to make up for it i’ll do 15 artists (rip to my fingers after typing this)

Benson Boone: 43.9m monthly listeners -> Beautiful Things

why: in all honesty i mostly like this song because it blew up but i also love its meaning. like it’s actually so real having this fear that you’ll lose all this happiness you’ve recently acquired with a person.

Billie Eilish: 91.6m monthly listeners -> CHIHIRO

why: CHIHIRO has stuck with me since it came out omg. that song helped me get through a lot, like just blasting it through my headphones was so therapeutic. i love everything about it, the meaning, the sound, that one part between 4:16-4:59, it’s all amazing. plus i love Spirited Away and to see one of my favorite artists make a song titled after the main character of one of my favorite movies was amazing, especially knowing she enjoyed the movie too.

Black Box Recorder: 2.1m monthly listeners -> Child Psychology

why: so i regret to inform you all that i only know two songs by Black Box Recorder, those being Child Psychology and Seasons In The Sun. i tried listening to them because it was recommended to me by like everyone on Pinterest for some reason but it wasn’t something i got super into. like don’t get me wrong they’re amazing they’re just not something im super into but definitely check out Child Psychology. i love Child Psychology because of the storytelling of it all like i don’t know the concept of it is just so interesting ykwim?

Bo Burnham: 3.4m monthly listeners -> Goodbye

why: i may get called cringe for choosing this song and maybe even just following Bo Burnham in the first place but i really don’t care. he’s not an essential to my music taste but he was a big impact on me. dude, if you were conscious during like 2020-like late 2022 (maybe early 2023 i can’t remember very well) you know this man carried the povs on youtube shorts and tiktok. i swear i would see a vid with one of his songs every few scrolls and its not a bad thing, like his songs were genuinely good just my thing was that them being played over and over by pov tiktokers/youtubers made his music lose its charm, like it was so well known and overplayed it wasn’t as good anymore. don’t get me wrong this is not hate i absolutely love Bo Burnham. anyway, i chose Goodbye because its just generally one of my favorite songs from him and in all honesty i think its one of his best songs.

BoyWithAUke: 4.5m monthly listeners -> Toxic

why: in all honesty i feel kind of bad because i never truly explored his music and i wish i had (not like i can’t now but still) because Toxic is really good. like Bo Burnham, his song, Toxic lowkeke carried during the early 2020s and it’s stuck with me. i love its meaning and can honestly relate to it, he has an amazing voice and it kinda makes me sad that pretty much no one (at least on my side of the internet) ever talks about him anymore :(.

Britney Spears: 44.6m monthly listeners -> Oops!…I Did It Again

why: to start things off i wanna just say that the things that have happened to her through the years is so saddening and i feel incredibly sorry for her for her. i grew up with Britney and seeing the state she’s in now makes me so sad, she deserved a better life without dealing what she had to. but regardless i need to talk about the song i chose, i chose Oops!…I Did It Again because even if maybe many others would say she has a lot better songs, i really like this song. the part i’ve always loved was between 2:12-2:31 because i just love how it fits the song and i just love things like this in songs as well as sampling older media (which im aware this isn’t a sample of old media).

Bryansanon: 1.3m monthly listeners -> LEMME TALK TO EM

why: i feel like Bryansanon is under appreciated like i know most people have probably heard his music before. he made the hit, MOVE YO BODY and i feel like people skipped over that. i see people hype up other artists because of their trending songs and yet i never see anyone hyping up Bryansanon! his music is so good and he should have a lot more listeners in my opinion.

BUCK-TICK: 266.5k monthly listeners -> ROMANCE

why: so i must admit, i found out about this band because i saw their (very handsome) lead singer, Atsushi on pinterest and i wanted to know if he was a solo artist or part of a band and if his music was any good. so i found BUCK-TICK. ROMANCE has always stuck with me because it sounds phenomenal and i love the meaning behind it. rest in peace, Atsushi Sakurai, you absolute baddie 😢.

Cass Elliot: 2m monthly listeners -> Dream A Little Dream Of Me

why: i absolutely love this song! it’s so hauntingly beautiful to me it’s on the same level of I’ll Never Smile Again type of hauntingly beautiful. i found Cass because of The Mamas & The Papas which is one of my favorite bands. i just cannot stress enough how much i love this song because it sounds the way it sounds, her voice is so beautiful.

Cavetown: 5.1m monthly listeners -> Meteor Shower

why: honestly not much to say, they’re not essential to my music taste but i really enjoy this song. it was recommended to me by my cousin who absolutely loves Cavetown so i listened to it. i like a few other songs but this one is def my favorite it’s so nice on the ears.

Chappell Roan: 35.5m monthly listeners -> The Subway

why: i love the songs meaning but as stupid as it sounds, my favorite part is the chorus and how it switches between “she’s got a way” and “she got away”. that’s kind of all, that and it’s very catchy.

Charli xcx: 32.1m monthly listeners -> Girl, so confusing featuring lorde

why: i absolutely fell in love with this song upon first listening to it. the beat, the vibes, the lyrics, everything is amazing!! i love how people thought it was about he beef between her and lorde when in reality it was about how the industry pits up successful women (specifically pop stars) against each other. the meaning is so amazing to me and the vocals are so hypnotic.

Childish Gambino: 30.1m monthly listeners -> Me and Your Mama

why: the guitar in this song is gorgeous oh my gosh! i love the lyrics and how it’s about romantic obsession and the desperation for his partner’s love.

Chrystal: 13.7m monthly listeners -> The Days - NOTION Remix

why: i would love to say that i know this song because im cool and niche but unfortunately its because i keep hearing it everywhere (😢). its amazing i love the overall vibes and the feeling of nostalgia that overcomes me listening to this even though its relatively new.

Cigarettes After Sex: 32.6m monthly listeners -> Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby

why: i love this song because of the slow and tenderness of it. the way it’s supposed to make a protective safe place for the partner is just so sweet idk.

@chrystal-ink ♥️

Without Text

(i̶̶g̶̶n̶̶o̶̶r̶̶e̶ ̶t̶̶h̶̶e̶ ̶c̶̶a̶̶k̶̶e̶ ̶I̶ ̶d̶̶i̶̶d̶̶n̶'̶t̶ ̶h̶̶a̶̶v̶̶e̶ ̶t̶̶i̶̶m̶̶e̶ ̶t̶̶o̶ ̶d̶̶r̶̶a̶̶w̶—༼⁠;⁠´⁠༎ຶ⁠ ⁠۝ ⁠༎ຶ⁠༽)