Quote Originally Posted by Rosenstrauch View Post
The problem with declaring that Ryne is a shard buddy of Minfilia's is something I've already tackled in this thread. It doesn't gel at all with Ryne's apparent lack of the Echo.
Why would she need the Echo to be a shard buddy, there is nothing suggesting that it is a requirement for split souls to have similar abilities. Plus while nothing is stated outright, we know Ryne has something, but no name is given, whether it's the Echo or the Blessing of Light is unknown. However, we do know that her potential lack of the Echo is not the reason she lost control of herself in Eden. As we have encountered others without the Echo who have maintained their "sanity" upon becoming a Primal. We also know that prior to absorbing Minfilia, Ryne is able to sense, and is immune to the Sin Eaters corruption. Again while nothing is stated, why wouldn't these be hints of the Echo, and it's just how it developed in Ryne. Another thing we learn later is that the Echo is present within everyone, it just needs to be unlocked.

But, as I said, all of this is moot with them merging. Regardless of what they were before, they are one now. And as I stated, there are strong hints that only a split soul can fully remerge.