//------------------------------// // Chapter 15 // Story: Titanfall: New Horizons // by Necrogen Lord //------------------------------// Joshua felt a rush of different sensations run through his body as the scenery around him changed drastically. From the familiarity of the Horizon, the Pilot had almost been blinded by the absolute purity of the walls that now surrounded him. The same walls that appeared to be made of a fine marble that shone a pristine white, trimmed along the walls with golden accents and ornaments. The floors were coated in a thick layer of stunning red velvet, giving the entire scene together as a way of saying "I'm more important than anything you'll ever do or be". The Pilot looked around the area for a few more seconds, but ceased when he heard a cough at his side. He looked down to his right to see Princess Luna smiling up at him, an eyebrow raised. "I take it that you're impressed?" she asked. Joshua looked up at the high ceiling, mesmerized by how likely a Titan could fit inside these hallways, and nodded. "Very..." he muttered. Luna chuckled lightly at the remark before moving through the halls. "The meeting hall is right this way," she called to him. "When we get there, you need to talk to the ambassador, Golden Flex. He'll help you sort out trade for food you might want." Joshua snapped himself out of his stupor and followed Luna through the massive halls. As he did, they passed by Guards of varying shades of white and grey, all eying him cautiously. After a few minutes of walking, Joshua and Luna found themselves outside of a large set of red and gold double doors, outlined with golden accents. On the other side, voices could be heard shouting at each other. Luna surged a bit of magic at the doors, opening them to reveal a group of ponies arguing with some more creatures that resembled Joshua. Their top halves were ripped with muscle, but sported different colors of fur. The heads of the creatures looked more akin to that of a bull, complete with horns and even rings that went through their nostrils. Beneath their torsos were heavily coated legs that resembled that of a pony. The largest one turned to Joshua and stood still as its eyes widened. The rest of the room stared at the Pilot as he approached them. "Something wrong here?" he asked. The large creature approached him briskly, thundering its hooves against the stone floor as it approached, staring intently at Joshua. It came to a stop right in front of him and began to sniff the air. "I smell blood on you," it spoke in a deep voice. "Would you care to tell me who you are?" "Forgive my intrusion," it spoke before backing up and offering a hand. "I'm Golden Flex, ambassador for the Minotaur Empire." Joshua put his armored hand in Flex's grip and gave a firm shake. "Joshua Burton. Captain of the Militia vessel Horizon, and Pilot. I was told that I should talk to you about getting food for my crew." Flex released his grip and smiled broadly. "Well, if it's a hardy meal you need, look no further! My people have the finest haul on the borders! Let's discuss what you need," he said before turning back to the meeting. "What is the meaning of this!?" a shrill voice interrupted. Joshua turned to see a white unicorn with blonde hair and a weird formal collar turn a corner and glare daggers at him. "I was enjoying a private moment in my quarters, when I heard not only screams from the city, but from here as well! I demand that-" The pony went no further as a blue flash resulted in him disappearing from view as the obnoxious voice was heard falling before a splash echoed beyond the walls. "Whoops, would you look at that," Luna said with a smirk. "Let's discuss this arrangement, shall we?"