The Soultouch is a phenomenon that only occurs in the Echidna race. According to Locke, nature provided the echidnas with the Soultouch as "a means for us to recognize our life partner from the opposite sex." Individuals struck by the Soultouch will tend to pursue their mate almost immidiately after laying eyes on them, 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)