ShadesOfEcho

Bit late but we figured we'd chime in. Keep in mind that we're only one system with our opinions. Anyways you can call us Echo. Or the Echo system if you must, we generally prefer to keep it as just Echo though. Shallan is the only Plural character I think we've seen that isn't made out to be dangerous because of what they are, played as a joke, or is just possession or inner demon rust. We particularly love the way they interact with eachother and others. This naturally means a lot to us. We want to tell stories ourselves and I managed to put myself through university to get a Bachelor's of CS with the intention of making games that tell stories. It's sorta what we love to do and what we can do to ultimately help even if just a little. It's important to not that this is at its core a coping mechanism. Something that keeps us safe after rust no child should have to go through. Anyways when Shallan and Veil integrated it evoked a strong response of fear in us. While we conciously know it's not, we see this as dying. Some systems integrate and if that's the right choice for them good for them. Others like us don't. At least in mass, if two personalities decide to integrate they can make that choice. It's not always a zero sum thing. Also important to note, even totally integrated systems still have DID/OSDD and can create more alters should there be more trauma. Moving on it was so positive for us to see an example of functional multiplicity. Because this was *terrifying* when we first started discovering what we were. What would you think if suddenly your body is moving without your consent as you actively tried to fight it only to have it start speaking out loud to "f off", picking a name for herself, and grabbing something to eat (and having it taste completely differently). I wasn't ready to be blunt but she was tired of not being seen as her own person and wasn't having it. That was the moment I couldn't deny what was happening anymore despite DID not even being remotely on my radar. And we all have insecurities. The one I mentioned not feeling like a person, me not feeling like enough, the kid not feeling love. Ect. But I'm also some one who has always tried to find the humor in situations. It *is* funny to have the 4 year old pop out of nowhere because "It seems fun" only to realize there's people there and try to hide behind the bean bag for example. Or to have the young adult get annoyed with me for liking pickles. (actual experiences). There's a lot of bickering and backseat driving. I'm trying to say it's not all doom and gloom despite all the issues that come with it. And Shallan was the best example of this we've ever seen. So we're really hoping her story ark doesn't end with completely integrating.