[h3][color=f26522]Paro[/color][/h3]

Paro almost hadn't realized the girl from the banquet was in this platoon; he'd been more focused on his dinner and the man aboard the [i]enormous dragon.[/i] But the girl in green had a point: the atmosphere between the cooperating nations was still tense and unfamiliar. Somebody needed to open up.

Looking on toward the mid-afternoon sun, Paro's eyes narrowed beneath knit brows.

[color=f26522]"We'd have to steer clear of a village near the border. They don't trust Pokemon."[/color] He hesitated only an instant before adding, [color=f26522]"Or me, for that matter."[/color] He scanned over the group, seeking any glimmer of recognition. His expression softened. [color=f26522]"But the bigger issue is: it's [i]hot[/i]. You get used to it after 22 years, but we don't all have that long. So,"[/color] he turned to address the two women who weren't in any summer clothes he'd ever seen, [color=f26522]"is everybody confident they can make it through the heat, or should we go another way?"[/color]