"Hey, are you Lou? Bug said I should find you and tell you my favorite food. She wants us to do a celebration,” Rusty said, having found the current leader of the capybaras in the kitchen.

“I am Lou, and what are we celebrating?” Lou asked.

“I, uh, figured out how to access my mana spirit I guess, and Bug says that big things like that always deserve parties,” Rusty answered. Bug had been very proud of him and promised she’d look after the kids while he went and talked to the capybaras. She told him he didn’t have to protect them himself anymore.

“Well, who am I to argue with Bug? She’s a very smart lady. So what’s your favorite food, and what’s your name? I haven’t met all the newcomers yet,” Lou answered.

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“Rusty, and I really like meatloaf. My mom used to make it for me,” Rusty felt tears well up in his eyes at the memory, but managed to push them back down.

“Meatloaf it is. You hear that, boys? We’re having a party, and Rusty is the boy of the hour. Come on, Rusty, let me introduce you to the boys. Has Bug taught you the games yet?” Lou said, pushing Rusty into the back of the kitchen.

“Not yet. She promised we’d play some of her favorite ones at the party,” Rusty said, glad the capybaras had accepted him so readily.

“Perfect, then let’s go figure out this meatloaf recipe,” Lou said, smiling at the lost kid.