In a removed now post from this sub, when I asked what do you not like seeing in other people’s Fakemon designs, I mentioned this as something that bothers me:
“Eeveelutions with too many/too obvious fantastical/supernatural elements. From what I understood about Eeveelutions' design philosophy, they are basically house pets an average non-Trainer person can keep in their house Yes, Flareon is basically a red Eevee, but I cannot imagine many people would keep it as a pet if it had their mane and tail made of actual flames. I don't say a fanmade Eeveelution shouldn't have any fantastical details (I'm looking at you, Vaporeon and Sylveon especially), just it's best if they are on the subtle side. “
With Bug-type Eeveelutions I had seen people making basically bug/mammal hybrids. While I don’t say Gamefreak would not go that way themselves ever (again, Vaporeon) or that Fakemon artists should stop doing it outright, I think there are other ways to go around with it.
For me it was the concept of a very hairy pet that got fleas. Originally I wanted it to be named Matteon (as in “matted fur”), but I now think Fleeceon is a much better name. Fleece is a coat of sheep or a goat, but also the word sounds like “fleas”. Its shiny form could be golden in reference to the Greek myth.
The way I think Eevee would evolve into it, is by leveling up twice in a row while being affected by the move Infestation. The Pokedex entries would mention that this evolution is a result of Eevee forming a symbiotic, telepathic relationship with tiny bugs living in its fur. They keep it clean, shiny and untangled in exchange for their food IYKWIM (Fleeceon isn’t bothered by it in any way). The insects don’t move to other Pokemon or people unless Fleeceon orders them to. That means this Eeveelution can learn not only Infestation, but also Vespiquen’s Order moves. It would also have a new signature Ability called Bug Defence. If it gets hit with a physical move, there is a chance for the opposing Pokemon to get infested.
Design-wise I still tried to invoke the bug look in Fleeceon while not making it a bug/mammal hybrid. I gave it vibrant, shiny, colder colors reminiscent of beetles’ armor and elytron. Its fur forms shapes similar to parts of a bug's body, like antennae (and moth ears) or abdomen-shaped tail. Fleeceon’s nose is slightly bigger and much rounder than in other Eeveelutions and serves as a reference to a common depiction of insects and other animals in classic old cartoons. The layered fur around its neck is my attempt at keeping the fur collar carried over from Eevee like the Gen I Eeveelutions do, which I miss in later ones.
by A-J-Zan