Kotlc Quotes

I would rather be punished for making the right decision than live with the guilt of making the wrong one for the rest of my life.

Team Foster-Keefe will always be cooler.

Why else would you spend so much time helping Miss Fosters causes?” “Uh... you’ve seen how cute she is, right?” Keefe asked.

I think we could all use a little more weird in our lives.

Keefe, I...' There were no words. She threw her arms around his shoulders, hugging him as tight as she could. Maybe if she never let go, she could hold the broken pieces together.

Keefe’s smile looked determined as he stepped back and took Sophie’s hand. “I’m always with you, Foster. What ever you want, I’m in.

Sophie flung a pillow at his head. Or, she tried to. Throwing with her left arm was much harder than she expect, and... She ended up nailing Magnate Leto in the face. Keefe doubled over, clutching his sides and gasping between choking laughs: “THAT...WAS...THE...GREATEST...THING...IVE...EVER...SEEN!

Keefe tried to break the tension, pumping his fist and shouting, “LORD HUNKYHAIR LIVES! Say it now, Ro. Say it!

Why do clothes never have enough pockets? There should always be lots of pockets... the more pockets the better!

You’re in this, like, Ultra Knight in Shining Armor mode-“ “Aw, you hear that, Ro? Foster thinks I’m her hero!

What?” Sophie asked, wiping under her lashes when she noticed Keefe staring. “Did I smudge it?” “No, Foster. You look... perfect.

Yeah, what time should we arrive to catch the Great Fitzphie Ooze Fest?” Keefe asked. “We’re not calling it that,” Sophie told him. “Oh, I think we are. And don’t worry, Foster,” Keefe added, patting her on the head. “I’ll still love you when you’re oozy.

Relax, Foster,” Keefe said, squeezing her good hand and lacing their fingers together. “You okay there?” he whispered. She nodded, not quite ready to use her voice. Not ready to let go of his hand, either.

It’s amazing he made it through without me bashing his pretty face.” “Aw, did you hear that? Ro thinks I’m pretty! I mean- I usually go for more of a roguish handsome, but...” He tosses his hair and fluttered his eyelashes. Sophie’s lips curled into a smile-without her permission.

Sophie sighed. “You don’t have to do this.” “If you’re talking about being adorable, I really can’t help myself.” He said it with a wink and a smirk-which wasn’t playing fair. But she managed to stop her lips from curling into a smile.

Embrace the sparkles, Foster,” Keefe told her. “They look good on you.” Any other day she might’ve blushed.

Won't you need my help with the cache?' Fitz asked her. It felt very good to tell him, 'I don't see why.' Ro snickered.

Keefe grinned. “You’re adorable when you worry. I’ve told you that, right?” Sophie gave him her best glare, but his smile only widened.

The teasing tone faded from his voice, replaced with something that made Sophie very aware of how close they were standing.

...I never knew I needed a lot of things before I met you. (Keefe Sencen to Sophie Foster)

Wanna bet?” Keefe countered. “Bad idea,” Sophie told him. “You’ve won twice now- that means you’re pretty much guaranteed to lose. Especially since this bet relies on me again.” He grinned. “Exactly, Foster. You’re always the safe bet.

Thank you,” she said as he walked her back to the Healing Center and she tried to make a note of the route so she could find the secret cafeteria again. “Tonight would’ve been... pretty rough if you hadn’t stopped by.” “I know,” he told her. “For me too.” “Awwwwwww, you guys are SO adorable,” Ro jumped in.

I believe in the all-powerful Fitzphie! Actually, you know what? We should call this one Sophitz, since-let’s face it-Foster’s the real talent when it comes to this sort of thing.

Keefe whistled, “Remind me never to get on your bad side, Dizznee.

He reached up to wipe a crumb off her lips, and she forgot how to breath for a second— “I’m still glad I was there. If I hadn’t been...” He didn’t finish. But he didn’t need to. And she was glad he’d been there too.

Linh grinned. “I think I need to get Happy Shadow Thoughts embroidered on a tunic for you- with a bunch of smiley faces.” “I definitely think I need to see him wear that,” Sophie agreed. “Especially if it’s pink.” “Hot pink,” Linh decided. “With sparkly letters.” “And it should say Angry echoes-beware! on the back!” Sophie added.

Keefe shouted, "YOU GUYS HAVE TO SEE THIS!" They ran to the main room and found Keefe standing under the skylight, holding up Mr. Snuggles like it was a baby lion about to be made kind. The sparkly red dragon twinkled almost as much as Keefe's eyes as he said, "I went in to check on our boy and found him cuddling with this!

So is it strange coming here and not being the one on trial?” Keefe asked, “Because I’d be happy to help you break a few laws if you’re feeling left out.

Okay,” she agreed. If he refused to be serious, then so would she. “Fine, Im an elf. Am I suppose to help Frodo destroy the ring and save Middle-Earth? Or do I have to make toys in the North Pole?

Sophie froze. “My name’s Fitz,” he added, stepping closer still. Fitz? What kind of name was Fitz?

Hang on – what are you wearing?” Keefe asked as she threw back her covers, revealing the sparkly slogans on her tunic. “Is that a Bangs Boy reference? Because you know I haven’t let him into the Foster Fan Club, right?” Sophie rolled her eyes. “It’s an inside joke – and Linh made this for me.” ”Yeah, well, it still breaks the fan club rules. As penance, I’m giving you a tunic that says, ‘Empaths Give Me All the Feels,” and I expect to see you wear it twice as much as Bang Boys.

Keefe smirked. “If I’m right, you have to call me Lord Hunkyhair from now on.” Sophie shook her head. “You guys are terrible.” “That’s why you love us!” Keefe draped his arm around her shoulders.

I was already planning to have us start with telekinesis, since that’s what got Foster all swoons about my skills in the first place.” “I didn’t get swoons,” Sophie felt the need to point out. “Keep telling yourself that, Foster. Keeeeeeeeeep telling yourself that.

She was a girl with strange abilities and a different way of looking at the world. What she decided to do with these things was up to her.

Linh peeked her head over his shoulder. “This is fun! I never get to see Tam blush!” She pinched her brothers cheeks, and Tam rolled his eyes and stalked into the Healing Center, with Linh giggling right behind him.

We have too many villains,” Sophie said through a sigh. Keefe snorted. “You’re not wrong.

...if you lose, you’ll have to wear a metal diaper to school and call me Lord Hunkyhair from now on.” “Uh... yeah, no,” Fitz said as Biana asked, “Hunkyhair?” “Lord Hunkyhair,” Keefe corrected. “What? It’s accurate.” He tossed his head like he was in a shampoo commercial. “I think we need to make it a thing either way- don’t you, Foster?” “I think you’re ridiculous,” Sophie told him.

Keefe groaned. “What is it with girls and sparkles?” “Sparkles make everything better,” Biana informed him, and Sophie had to agree.

He's not all that bad. No one is. That's what makes villains so scary. They aren't as different from us as we want them to be.

You okay?” Keefe asked, flicking a strand of her blonde hair to get her attention. “And before you answer, remember: You’re talking to an Empath. Plus, you’ve already pulled put two eyelashes since we got here, and I can tell you’re dying to go for a third.” She was.

Keefe gave her sister his famous smirk, reaching up to smooth his expertly tousled blond hair. “Don’t worry-were all in the Foster Fan Club.

It’s too bad Keefe isn’t here, you two could have a contest to see who whines the most.

Now I know why Bianas ready to start stabbing things.

We could dig into some of the small stuff we hold back.” “Like what?” He started his hands, twisting the Cognate rings round and round before he transmitted, like all the stuff you tell Keefe and don’t tell me.

Vika snatched Sophie’s wrist with a mud-streaked hand. “You wretched girl! Call her down right now.” “Why do you need my help? Aren’t you the expert?” Keefe snickered. “Ooh, good one, Foster!

I’ll go out of my to make their job impossible.” “No, you won’t,” Sandor told her. “Youre much too smart to resort to such reckless behavior.” Sophie’s eyebrows shot up. “You sure about that? You’ve seen how much time I spend with Keefe.

How about we play without special abilities?” she suggested. “That’ll make it fair for everyone.” Fitz shrugged. “I’m up for the challenge if you are.” “Lame. I vote for The Unstoppable Team Keefe! Or Team Foster-Keefe if you’re one of those egomaniacs who needs your name in there. I can share some credit.

Boy, are you in trouble,” Dex said as he caught up with Sophie. “You’ll be lucky if Grady and Edaline let you out of the house before you turn two hundred and fifty.” “Not helping, Dex.

Because our family doesn’t decide who we are. We decide who we are. Believe me, it drives my parents crazy. And sometimes that’s the only thought that gets me through the day.

Keefe raised one eyebrow. "You okay there, Foster? Your mood seems to be making some sudden shifts." "Yeah. because I'm trying to decide if I can shove you off the stairs without knocking Biana down." "I can jump out of the way," Biana offered. "I can give him an extra shove as he tumbles by," Tam added. " I'd come up there and do it myself, but I'm trying to be a good brother and wait for my slothlike sister." "I'd like to see you climbing in heels," Linh told him.

Keefe marched through the doors to the Healing Center and declared, “Wow, it’s like walking into a cloud of sulk in here.” He fanned the air away from his face as he made his way over. “I mean, I figured you be feeling a little lost about your Cognate buddy, but trust me: Fitzy isn’t worth this much angst.” ”I’m not pouting about Fitz, “Sophie informed him. “Ah, so you admit you are pouting? “He countered, plopping on to the side of her cot with enough oomph to make the mattress bounce.

She steeled herself for a serious shock of cold- but the reality was a thousand times more miserable. “Aw, those little shrieking sounds you’re making are super adorable,” Keefe told her. “Ready to punch me yet?” “S-splashing y-you s-sounds b-better,” she said through chattering teeth. “I suppose. But we both know I’ll splash you back- and then you’ll retaliate, because you may look all sweet and innocent, but you have a feisty streak. And then it’ll be an ice-water war, and Elwin will ban me from the Healing Center and you’ll be lost without my visits, and Id rather not make you suffer like that.

[Keefe’s] smile softened into something that made Sophie’s cheeks warm. And her heart seem to trip over itself as he leaned close and carefully pinned Krakie to the back of her hand, right in the center. His palm rested over her is when he finished, and she got the sense that there was something he wasn’t saying. But then his eyes skipped past her, landing on Fitz for a beat before he shifted his focus.

Hindsight is a dangerous game

Love, Keefe

Are you kidding?” Sophie and Fitz asked, once again in perfect unison. Elwin chuckled. “I’m sure if Keefe were here, he’d have a lot to say about how in sync you two are getting.” “Just more proof that Fitzphie’s the best,” Fitz told him, with a wink that shouldn’t have made Sophie’s heart flutter. But hearts could be foolish things.

Sophie stomach growled, and she gave herself three seconds to imagine it-to picture what it would be like to creep through the shimmering halls when they were empty and quiet and dark and see all the hidden places Keefe had discovered. But... “Don’t you go shaking that adorable little head at me, Foster,” Keefe said before she could get a word out.

Woah! Back the T-Rex Up!

Do you have any fathomlethes around here?” “I hope you’re not talking about the weird river-pearl thing you took in Alluveterre that made you cover your walls in scraps of paper like a serial killer,” Sophie told him. “Oh I am- I know you’re not going to like it, Foster. But I remembered a ton of stuff last time. So how about I promise to let you help me sort through the notes again? Remember that? Such a classic Keephie moment!

It’s been her secret-her burden-since she fell and hit her head when she was five years old. She’d tried blocking the noise. Tried ignoring it. Nothing helped. And she could never tell anyone. They wouldn’t understand.

I don’t know how it’s all going to work out, but … I’ll be fighting for the happy ending too.

I don’t want another bodyguard. I want you.

From that point on, he only had one goal: to be whatever Sophie needed. Not the hero. Not the one taking charge of everything. Just a guy ready to listen and help and be there for her. A friend. Until she was ready for more.

Sophie smiled, “We all have our things.” “Well, yours is weird,” Amy told her.

Keefe reaches for Sophie’s shaky hand. “We’ll get them back safe. I promise.” Sophie squeezed his hand, twining their fingers together.

Fitz’s eyes never left Sophie’s as he let Biana lead them for forward, offering one last smile before he left. It was only a half a smile. But she knew it was just for her.

By the way, you look awesome,” Biana said, admiring Sophie’s dress. “Now I’m wishing I braided my hair or something.” “Oh please, you look amazing,” Sophi assured her. “Like always.

No more notes. No more clues. She’d followed them to this point, and now it came down to her. She wasn’t the Black Swan’s puppet anymore. She was broken. All she had left was trust.

And you can keep the pin.” “Uh-uh, it’s yours.” “But you want it.” “And I want you to have it! So how about we call him ours? Will name Krakie, and he can live right here.” He pointed to the bandage covering her right hand. “That way Krakie can protect you from the echo – not that you need protection. He’ll just be your backup.” 246 His smile softened into something that made Sophie’s cheeks warm. And her heart seem to trip over itself as he leaned close and carefully pinned Krakie to the back of her hand, right in the center. His palm rested over her is when he finished, and she got the sense that there was something he wasn’t saying. But then his eyes skipped past her, landing on Fitz for a beat before he shifted his focus.

Ugh, now I get why Keefe was always going on about this one,” the figure to Gethen’s right grumbled. “They both think they’re so clever.

Seriously, what was it about cute boys that made it so hard for her to function?

NOT THE HAIR, ANYTHING BUT THE HAIR.

Scattered, disconnected pieces of thoughts broadcast straight into Sophie’s brain- like being in a room with hundreds of TV’s blaring different shows at the same time. They sliced into her consciousness, leaving sharp pains in their wake. She was a freak.

Aw, aren’t you guys cute?” Stina sneered. “Better watch out, Biana. It’s only a matter of time before she drags your whole family down to her level.” “That’s still way higher than your family,” Sophie snapped back.

You Do Matter Keefe...

And you can keep the pin.” “Uh-uh, it’s yours.” “But you want it.” “And I want you to have it! So how about we call him ours? Will name Krakie, and he can live right here.” Keefe pointed to the bandage covering her right hand. “That way Krakie can protect you from the echo – not that you need protection. He’ll just be your backup.

Sophie tugged out a loose eyelash-a nervous habit-and started at her feet.

I’m sure Keefe won’t mind letting you join our skill lessons, though,” she suggested. Fits snorted. “Great.” “Aw, it’s not so bad. I know, it sounds like it’d be a disaster. But... the lessons have actually been pretty awesome. I think I might’ve had a meltdown without them- but don’t ever yell him I said that, okay. He’ll start wearing tunics that say Fosters Hero or something.” “Sounds about right,” Fitz mumbled. His eyes drifted to her hands and she realized she was fidgeting with the pins Keefe had given her. “Well... I’m glad he’s been there for you,” he said quietly. “Me too.

Alden turned to Grady. “I’m sorry to be late. I’d hoped to get here before the Hekses arrived. But Fitz, Keefe, and Biana insisted on seeing the long-lost alicorn, and someone needed time to fix their hair.” “Hey, a guy’s gotta look his best for the ladies.” Keefe patted the back of his head. “Right, Foster?” Sophie ignored him—though she could feel her cheeks blushing.

She stretched, feeling her spine pop in several places. She curled her legs to the side and opened her eyes-to find Fitz staring at her with his eyebrows practically launching off his forehead.

y—what did I tell you two about secret Telepath conversations?” Keefe asked as he shoved his way between them. “Unless you’re talking about me , keep it out loud.” Fitz laughed. “Keefe just wishes he could swap secret messages with you.” “Please, I don’t need your little mind tricks. I can feel Foster’s secrets”—he fanned the air around her—“and I feel some pretty intense emotions right now.” “Probably because I’m wondering if I should strangle you or beat you with my shoe!” “The shoe would be funnier,” Fitz jumped in

But something about the way Grady was smiling at them made Sophie’s cheeks feel hot. Dex must’ve noticed it too, because his face was bright red as he mumbled some excuse about his parents worrying if he wasn’t home soon, and quickly leaped out of there

What I was still out of it, I heard your voice in my head- I think it’s why I woke up.” Her face tried its best to burst into flames. “Sorry, I-“ “Don’t be,” he interrupted. “I’m glad I’m awake.” “So am I,” she admitted. “But... you have to be super careful, okay?” “I will if you will,” he made her promise. He waited for her to meet his eyes, and when she did, he gave her the sweetest smile she’d ever seen. “By the way,” he murmured, pressing Mr. Snuggles against his heart. “I missed you too.

She pulled her shoulder-length blond hair around her face, wishing she could hide behind it. This is exactly the kind of attention she went out of her way to avoid. Why she wore dull colors and lurked in the back, blocked by the other kids who were at least a foot taller than her. It was the only way to survive as a twelve year old in high school.

I know we’ve done stuff, Foster. But it’s not even close to enough. And the scariest thing is how little we know. I mean... I can’t even tell you if I’ve gotten back all the memories my mom erased. Meanwhile they know everything about us: where we live, where we go to school, what our abilities are, who our friends and family are, how to find us- do you need me to keep going? Because we both know I can.

And you get to bathe the verminion for the next month,” Grady added. Sophie groaned. She swore the giant mutant-hamster-thing had been plotting to destroy her since she’d helped trap it when it arrived at Havenfield. “That’s just mean.” “No, that’s awesome,” Dex corrected. “Glad you think so, Dex,” Grady told him, “ ’Cause you get to help her.” “Hey—I didn’t do anything wrong!” “I never said you did. But do you really think Sophie will let you just stand there and watch her work?

Ew,” Dex complained, plugging his nose. “Who knew sparkly horses had such bad breath?” “It’s nothing on Iggy breath,” Sophie reminded him. Her pet imp might only be a palm-size furball, but every time he opened his mouth it was like standing near a mountain of rotting eggs and dirty diapers.

I’ll always remember that’s you found me and brought me to the Lost Cities and showed me where I really belong. And that you came when I called for help and saved me from fading away. And you left everything behind to go with me when I joined the Black Swan. Need me to keep going? Because I can.” His smile was a beautiful thing. But it didn’t last.

Vika glared at him for a second, then shoved Sophie back, sending her tumbling into Fitz’s arms. “You okay?” he asked, flashing his movie-star-worthy smile as he steadied her. She was fairly certain her face was on fire as she pulled away and mumbled, “Yeah. Thanks.

Bout time you got here,” Keefe called as they crested a hill and entered a grassy meadow peppered with tiny blue flowers. “I was getting tired of stomping Fitz to a pulp in bramble.” “Only because you cheat!” Fitz shouted, tossing a red tri-pointed ball at Keefe. Keefe caught it and whipped it back so fast Fitz had to dive to avoid being smacked in the face. Then the strange ball curved back like a boomerang and Keefe caught it one-handed. “Only losers play fair. Which is why I call Foster for my team today.” “Hey—why do you get her?” Fitz asked,

She’d expected him to hand her the open vile, but he scooted even closer and press the glass against her– something Elwin had done for her dozens and dozens of times. But it was a very different experience with Fitz. Especially when his finger accidentally grazed the edge of her lips. Not that he seem to notice. He didn’t blush the tiniest bit- which was extra annoying, said she was certain in her cheeks for me on red.

Tinker considers questions to be far more valuable than answers, so it’s rare to get an actual explanation.” Dex snorted. “Huh, I wonder what that’s like.” “I know,” Sophie agreed. “We’re so used to everyone telling us everything we want to know the second we want to know it—how will we ever handle that kind of vagueness and mystery?” Mr. Forkle sighed. “I suppose I walked into that one.

Keefe?' Amy repeated, her lips curling into a grin. 'He's the supercute blonde guy you picked up cookies for, right? The one who keeps staring at you all intense when I met him, like you were the only person that mattered to him in the entire universe?' Someone coughed near the doorway. It was probably Grady, maybe Edaline too, but Sophie decided she would rather not know who was eavesdropping. 'He doesn't stare at me like that,' she said, hoping her cheeks weren't blushing too badly. It didn't help that Ro kept cackling beside her. ... 'I swear, you have no idea how lucky you are, getting to be around so many gorgeous boys all the time. I don't know how you haven't dated any of them--or have you?' 'She tried with Fitzy,' Ro answered for her. 'But then she realized he was too boring, so they broke up.' 'That's not what happened!' Sophie argued--over lots more coughing from the doorway. 'We didn't really date. We just sort of... liked each other... openly. But then it got super complicated, so we decided to focus on being friends. ... Why are we talking about this?' Sophie asked ... 'Because it's fun watching you get all red and fidgety!' Amy told her. 'Plus, there's a chance our boy is somewhere nearby, listening to this conversation,' Ro added before she raised her voice to a shout. 'Hear that, Hunkyhair? Get your overdramatic butt back here! Your girl is single--and the great Foster Oblivion is over! This is what you've been waiting for!' 'Hunkyhair?' Amy asked, raising one eyebrow as Sophie contemplated smothering herself with her blankets. 'Great Foster Oblivion?' 'Never mind,' Sophie mumbled, sinking deeper into her blankets.

Why would she pick tunics you don’t like?” “Because they had to ruin them,” she said, running her hand over her bare shoulder. Fitz cleared his throat. “I... wouldn’t call that ruined.” He didn’t say what he would call it, though, and it made her with her Polyglot ability worked for translating Cute Boy so she could figure out if that was suppose to be a compliment. It kinda felt like one.

She studied the relaxed lines of his features. The soft flutter of his long, dark eyelashes. The adorable way his arms cradled Mrs. Snuggles against his bandaged chest. I don’t know what to do. She hadn’t meant to transmit the words, but... it felt good to say them. And it was like like he could hear her. He hadn’t even flinched. His breathing hadn’t changed rhythm. So she told him, I really wish you were awake. He let out a snuffly snore, which gave her the courage to ask, What if I just want you to wake up because I’m tired of fighting the echoes all by myself? That wasn’t the right question, though. What if I want you to wake up because I miss you? She’d been trying to stay busy, trying not to look at the beautiful boy sleeping over in the corner. She hated having him so close and still so far away. And when she turned to Fitz, his eyes were more than fluttering. One blink. Two. Three. And then... they stayed open.

I’m sure Keefe won’t mind letting you join our skill lessons, though,” she suggested. Fits snorted. “Great.” “Aw, it’s not so bad. I know, it sounds like it’d be a disaster. But... the lessons have actually been pretty awesome. I think I might’ve had a meltdown without them- but don’t ever tell him I said that, okay. He’ll start wearing tunics that say Fosters Hero or something.” “Sounds about right,” Fitz mumbled. His eyes drifted to her hands and she realized she was fidgeting with the pins Keefe had given her. “Well... I’m glad he’s been there for you,” he said quietly. “Me too..

Sophie moved to his side. “Hey,” she said, nudging him until he looked at her. “Think you can help me master these dance moves before the Ceremonies next week?” A small grin spread across his lips. “I don’t know. I can’t exactly work miracles.” “Hey, I’m not that bad.” He grabbed her hands as she tried to shove him, and his face turned serious. “You’re not bad at all. You’re awesome.” He blushed after he said it, and Sophie dropped her eyes to the ground.

So,” she mumbled, not sure how to finish that sentence – or what to do with her arms. Or where to stand. It all felt awkward and weird and wrong-until fits dropped his crutches and gently pulled her into a hug. “I don’t want to go,” he whispered. “I don’t want you to either,“ she admitted, hoping her hushed tone hit the thickness of her voice. She told herself not to pull him tighter so he wouldn’t feel how hard her heart was pounding. But she couldn’t help leaning closer when she realized his pulse felt just as crazy as hers. She didn’t know what that meant. But it felt like something.

I still can’t believe we are tracking Bigfoot,” Sophie whispered as she stared at the giant footprint in the muddy soil. Each massive toe was as wide as her arm, and the print formed a deep, mucky puddle. Dex laughed, flashing two perfect dimples as he stood on his tiptoes to examine a scuff in the bark of a nearby tree. “Do humans really think there’s a giant hairy ape-man running around trying to eat them?” Sophie turned away, pulling her blond hair around her face to hide her flushing cheeks. “Pretty crazy, right?

Sophie’s gasp echoed off the circle of trees, and she blinked to make sure her eyes were working. A few feet in front of her stood a shimmering pale horse with outstretched feathered wings. It wasn’t a pegasus—she knew from the books she’d studied at Havenfield that those were smaller and huskier, with deep blue spots and midnight blue manes. This horse had wavy silver hair that trailed up its neck and parted around a horn of swirled white and silver that jutted from its forehead like a unicorn. But the unicorns she’d seen didn’t have wings. “What are you?” Sophie whispered as she stared into the horse’s deep brown eyes. Usually she thought brown eyes were flat and boring—especially her own—but these had glinting flecks of gold, and gazed back at her so intently she couldn’t look away.