The Soultouch is a phenomenon that only occurs in the Echidna race. According to Locke, nature provided the echidnas with the Soultouch, which allows them to know when they've located their soulmate, who are identified by seeing them for the first time. Individuals struck by the Soultouch will tend to pursue their mate almost immediately after this, as was the case with Julie-Su when she first discovered Knuckles the Echidna, and Mari-An shortly after she met Rob O' the Hedge. The Soultouch does not guarantee a lifelong relationship however, and some couples bound by the Soultouch ultimately split up, as was the case with Locke and Lara-Le. (KtE: #4, #12, #26)