//------------------------------//
// My job is not that bad! 
// Story: My first time meeting a princess 
// by FanOfSun 
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I looked through the videos on Youtube. Most of them were containing ponies and humans together talking, playing video games etc. I smiled and exhaled weakly, rubbing my eyes. I was happy that everthig was fine with humans and ponies living together.

My name is Max, I'm 15 years old and the reason it all happened.

First of all...I'm EXTREMELLY short! Like, not that seriously but still. Anyway, my main difference is my blood, and it's not it's color or taste or...Whatever. After single drop is hitting the ground, it sparks with weird light blue color. Add that sometimes items are appearing through it. Hell, not only items! There was a time when it 'summoned' a literal mouse into my grandmother's house. Yup, I used to live with my grandmother, since my parents...I actually don't know what happened to them, but this is not the point.

Around a year and a half ago, I accidentally cut myself waking through the streets. I didn't really pay attention to it, since I was in a hurry. As always, it lit up, summoned a pile of grass and I continued walking. Though it got attention of one particular person. Turns out it was some kind of agent from some kind of a research facility. After that, they payed us a visit and asked to come with them. I agreed, because I thought they would hurt my grandmother. After all, she was my only family member.

Well, turns out those guys weren't bad. They offered me a job as a...I still can't memorize this long word correctly. To put it simple, they would occasionally take my blood samples, do experiments and pay. Well, after a month of experiments, they were able to find the 'source' of those items. Turns out, my blood was a some kind of a gate for two different worlds...Don't ask me how they found it out! I didn't get a word from their explanation! So anyway, my presence was required to continue experiments.

Unfortunately, my grandmother passed away due to her age sooner. I expected those scientists to ignore it, but they actually cared for me and my mental state. They organized funeral and allowed me to visit her grave anytime I wanted. They  managed to build in a room in their facility, so that I could live in it. Facility itself was literaly in the center of our town. It wasn't big or loud, so nothing was a problem for me.

So after half a year, we were able to stabilize the 'gate'. I had to give hella lot of blood for this piece of a junk to work, but apparently, it did! Next few months humans and ponies (we were very confused at start) were exchanging their knowledge, plans for future cooperation and other stuff that I didn't really get. Scientists never kept me in the dark and shared everething they were doing with me. At some point, I was wondering if they are not scientists but kind wizzards, really! 

So let's skip to the part where ponies and humans started to visit each others world...It went...Very good! I mean, in literally 1 month humans and ponies were living together! It was a HUGE breakthrough for both nations. Magic, technology and uh...Cutiness apparently...Not like this is bad, just a detail.

Also there were some questions about horses and ponies from our world...But after the first 'Gate' opening, all of the equines dissapeared. Like, literally. This was the only fatal thing for Earth, but humanity overcame it.

And now...

I stood up from my computer and approached window. It was morning, and streets weren't 100% full yet. A pegasi flew by, giving a fast glance over my window. I didn't move at all, since noone and nopony (Yeah I was getting used to this one for really long time) could see through my window outside. It was my own request. I didn't want to make the facility workers look like bad guys since my blood was used to activate the 'Gate'. Ponies and humans on the streets were doing their own stuff. Talking, chilling...Since this town became a place where ponies and humans can travel through worlds, it became very popular. Sure it got louder and bigger, but oh boy...I'm afraid to mention the facility...I'm still getting lost sometimes.

I crossed arms on my chest and smiled weakly "Oh granny, I wish you could see what the hell we were able to do..." those thoughts didn't make me sad at all.

Quiet knock on my door distracted me. Very few people knew where I lived, since my blood thing was kept a secret. My request again.

I turnd my head around "Ms. Jannet?"

Female voice answered "Max, mind if I come inside?"

I shook my head "Sure thing"

Door opened and a woman came inside. This is Ms. Jannet, basically, some kind of my watcher. She was (obviously) higher than I am. Her hair was bright. She was wearing her favorite pink sweater with cats on it, simple jeans and slippers (I asked her not to wear uniform if she didn't want to). She had a clipboard in her hands.

I fully turned around "Good morning!" I yawned.

She looked at me, concerned "You didn't sleep well...Did you?"

I raise my eyebrow "Wha? But I feel rested!"

She pointed at my eyes with her pen "Then what are those eyebags?"

I clipped my eyes and approached the mirror on my wall. There were indeed eyebags. It wasn't something serious, just slightly grey areas under my eyes.

I hummed "Huh...But I rest and eat enough...And I certanly didn't cry this month"

Jannet became worried "You cried last month?"

I nodded "Yeah...I watched Hachiko" 

Jannet giggled "Didn't know that this will be enough to bring tears to your face"

I snorted "Apparently, it is...Though I don't regret watching it" I turned back to her "So, what did you need me for today?"

She shrugged "Nothing much, just wanted to warn you that Princess is coming to again visit"

I raised my eyebrow "So...Why did you bring the..." I pointed at her clip board.

She smiled "Oh you know...For effect!"

I rolled my eyes but smirked "Well, alright then! Thank you for warning"

She waved with her hand and closed the door "See you!"

I put hand behind my head "Geez...She is visiting us each week...Don't they have something important to do in their world?"

Well anyway, I thought about my plans. Yesterday I kept playing Roblox the whole day. I wanted to repeat it, but decided to do something more efficient...

Just walk around the facility and get lost again!

I walked out of my room and closed the door. I was allowed to go whenever I wanted, literally. Though I mostly stayed on the last floor, since only belived scientists, Jannet, one single janitor, few guards and their leader were able to reach it. All of them knew me, since they basically were first people I met here, literally. So anyway, I continued walking. There was this one janitor ahead. His name was Willson. He had white moustache and was just as high as I am. He was wearing jumpsuit with red shirt. He also had a dark blue cap on his head. Willson was 85 years old, but HELL! His will to live is stronger than all guards in this facility together!

I raised my arm "Oi, gramps!"

He turned around and warmly smiled at me "Maximka!" it was a nickname he gave me due to my shortness.

I approached him and gave a high five "Need any help here?"

He was leaning on the wall and pointed at crystal clear floors "Just done owa her'!" he then chuckled "Ya think Ah boutta ask for help from a boy eh? Ah'm not THAT misrable yet ya know?"

I snorted " 'course you are not. So, how is your new friend doing?" I leaned on the wall as well.

He smiled "Oh, doin' jus' fine. He seems like a good bud to have a botl' with" he then whispered jokingly "Ah think he is tryinna end meh life with his pone jokes"

I shrugged "Well, good to know"

We stood silent like this for a few minutes. It was nice to just be around Willson. 

He the sighed "Ya should 't least come outta to the streets ya know? After all, ye need sum friends too"

I bit my cheek from inside "I know.."

Willson looked at me "So why wont 'cha eh?"

I crossed arms on my chest "Want to keep myself intrigued as long as I can. Just from hearing about your experience I get excited"

He raised his eyebrow "And why's so?"

I looked at him with a grin "Because you are grumpy old gramps!"

Willson jokingly scolded me "Oh younglingz thos' days! If I had ma ol' iron I would shoot yer fingas off!"

I chuckled "You sure would" 

I wasn't joking, he wasn't called Deadeye in his past for no reason.

I waved at him "Well, see you around!" I started to walk away.

Willson didn't look away from the wall "Oi, Maksimka.."

I stopped and turned my head around.

He looked at me with serious face "Don't stay all lock'd up, would ya?"

I smiled and nodded "Sure thing, Will" I continued walking away.

Yeah...He was just like a grandpa for me...

I was walking around the floor automatically, untill I eventually got lost. Well, that was a new record, 6 minutes! I sighed and continued walking, hoping to meet someone on the way. 





30 minutes later...

I groaned and smacked my head against the wall. Apparently, I wasn't able to find ANYONE! What the hell? I calmed myself down and exhaled. After all, I could just shout. I decided not to. I put my arm against the wall to help me stand on my feet and started walking. Guess I was weak because my blood didn't fully recover from the last time. I better talk to Mr. Jones about it. 

Mr. Jones is the Leader of the science team. He is 29 years old and I'm two thirds of his healight. You would think that he is a serious person, which he is. But it's only during work. Apparently, he is one of the most joyfull people I have ever seen!

Speaking of him...I think I heard his voice further. I started to walk a bit faster, and was able to hear his voice better.

"Well, you see? It's a bit complicated.."

Ah, guess he is talking to one of his buddi-

A feminine voice replied to him "I'm sure you will be able to explain this to me, Jones" 

Huh...I don't recognize it...Well, guess it's a new colleague. I approached the corner of the hall and looked at the Mr. Jones. He seemed to be talking to someone. One of his arms was in his robe's pocket, as always.

I partly leaned onto the corner "Good morning, Mr. Jones"

Scientist turned to me and smirked "Ah, Max, just in time!" he raised his free palm "We were just talking about you!"

I put my hand against the corner and looked at his interlocutor...And froze in place. Is it an angel standing in the corridor? I think I can even see warm aura around her body. I clipped my eyes and saw a white alicorn standing in front of me. If I recall correctly, she is one of the princessses from Equestria. What was her name...Celestia? She was much higher than I am...And GEEZ! Jones wasn't lying when he said that she was gorgeous. I mean...JUST LOOK AT THIS MANE!

Jones put his palm on my shoulder, waking me up "Princess Celestia, let me introduce you to the reason we are able to talk right now!" his smile grew wider "Max, also known by a nickname 'The Core'!" 

Celestia smiled warmly "Pleasure to meet you in person, Maximilian"

I just stood there, eyes slightly widened "I...Uh...N-nice to meet you as well, your majesty" GOD her voice is soothing!

She then looked at Jones "But it's quite a surprise to realize that 'The Core' turns out to be a..Child"

I frowned and Jones chuckled "Well, Max is actually 15 years old!"

Celestia put hoof to her mouth "Oh, my apologies"

Did she just...Apologize to me?

Celestia then looked back at Jones "So, you are telling me that Max takes the main part in the 'Gate' operation?"

Jones chuckled "Indeed!"

Princess tilted her head "I'm afraid I don't understand how is this possible"

Jones exhaled "And there comes the hardest part..." he then hummed for himself "What about we show it to you!"

Celestia nodded "I would appriciate it"

Jones looked at me "Mind if we proceed a little earlier?"

I nodded "Uh...Yea...Sure"

Jones turned around "Please, follow us!"

He started walking, and I memorized why I wanted to talk to Jones. I picked up the speed and approached him.

He looked at me a bit concerned "You know, you look a bit exhaused"

I nodded "Yeah...That's what I wanted to talk to you about..." I looked back at Celestia (She tilted her head a bit) and whispered "I think Don overdid last time with pumping"

Jones gasped "Why didn't you warn me about it!" he was still whispering.

I shrugged "Just noticed it"

Jones sighed "Alright...Let's just show princess the process. We don't want you to lose consciousness during the procedure"

I nodded...A sly grin appeared on my face "You know, Mr. Jones?"

He was aiding me in walking "Hm?"

I pushed him weakly with my elbow "You weren't exaggerating when you said that Princess Celestia is pretty!" I was still whispering.

He chuckled and put his palm on my hair, ruining it completely "Oh you..!"

We heard quiet giggling from behind. Apparently, Celestia got closer to hear what we were talking about...And heard the last part. 

She removed hoof from her mouth "Well, I must say that you are rather handsome as well, Mr. Jones"

Okay, that's it! Did she just flurt with Mr. Jones?! I looked at his face. Jones's cheeks were slightly pinker. I grinned at him.

Jones coughed in his fist "Uhh...We are here!"

We were standing in front of grey door. It had red triangle with red '4' in the middle of it. It's some kind of level system. Level '1' being the lowest, and Level '4' being highest. Level '1' is green, everyone has access to it. Level '2' is yellow and available to all employees of facility. Level '3' is orange, interns and most janitors are restricted to go there. Also it's forbidden to bring your children there (Since you can show them level '2'). And finally, Level '4', the red one. Only main science team, elite guards, Jannet and ONE SINGLE janitor have access to it.

Mr. Jones pulled out his hand...And pushed the door. We don't have those fancy auto doors, since it's way too hard to get there. I mean, no need for those passwords and DNA readers stuff. The room we entered had two tables with two connected monitors on them. There stood one single chair. There also was sofa under the wall with coffee table nearby, but those are not the main details. There was a wall made out of extremely strong glass. Behind it, was a smaller white room with a literal armored chair (I'm not exaggerating at all). It had opened shells along armrests with two dark lines. There were two transparent tubes connected to them, that lead to the back of the chair, where was the 'Storage' for liquids. Nearby to the sofas, stood the door that led into the white room.

We entered the room, Jones pointed at the sofa "Uh...Make yourself comfortable, your majesty"

Celestia smiled and trotted towards the sofa, sitting on it. 

Jones looked at me "Oh, would you please keep our quest company while I'm looking for Don?" ah, a revenge?

I clipped my eyes "Uh...Yeah, sure.."

Jones nodded and walked away into the corridors, leaving me and princess alone. Celestia looked at me with this smile of hers.

I put hand behind my head "So uh...If you have questions I can try to answer them.." I said it a bit awkward.

Celestia nodded "I actually do" she patted free space on sofa with her hoof "Please, take a seat"

I approached the sofa and did as princess said "So...What are your questions" I was a little bit tense.

Celestia noticed it and...Gently wrapped her wing around my shoulders. I made an 'eep' sound. It wasn't unpleasant, just unexpected. In fact, I liked this sensation. Her feathers were just a bit ticklish, but mostly warm, soft and cozy.

Celestia continued "Well, since Mr. Jones will explain the process and your part in the 'Gate' operation, I don't have questions concerning traveling.." she then looked towards the door and lowered her head towards me (since she was literally two times higher than me) "I'm just curious, was your...comment from earlier true?"

I raised my eyebrow "You mean..." I then got it "Oh, yeah. Mr. Jones DID mention that he was finding you attractive, your highness"

Celestia returned to her previous pose "Oh.." I swear I could see her eyes widen a little bit.

I then added "Well, he actually finds every single of your kind attractive...It just happened that he mentioned you individually" alright, how the HELL did I memorize all those words now?!

Celestia nodded and then looked at me "If I understand correctly, you found me attractive as well"

I got really calm (if you were on my place, you would too, belive me), so I shrugged "Well, I didn't see any other ponies closer than 30 meters to me..In fact, you are the first pony I have ever talked to, your highness" I then crossed arms on my chest "But yeah, I have to admit that you DO look beautiful in my oppinion" I didn't blush at all, that was truth.

Celestia giggled "Oh you..." she then frowned, just a bit "But, your lack of communication with my ponies worries me. Is there something wrong?"

I waved with my arms "No no! Don't think that I'm kind of person that hates ponies!" I put them on my knees "It's just that I avoided any contact with other people except those on Level '4' "

Celestia hummed "And why is so, if you don't mind me asking?"

I bit cheek from inside "Well, I asked this to stay a secret because of procedure" I pointed my thumb at the room with chair "People would just go nuts without understanding the matter" I then quickly added "It was my own choice"

Celestia nodded "I see...You sacrificed your personal life just to keep the clear name of others"

I put my hand to my chin "Now that you put it like that..."

Celestia looked at the chair "Though I do feel a bit uneasy...Just what can be happening in this room that could create such outburst from people"

I stood up (as much as I liked her wing, it did feel kinda awkward) "Well, you will see, your highness" 

She folded her wing "I wonder what takes Mr. Jones so long"

I explained "Well, guess finding Don in this labyrinth is not an easy task" I felt much more confident now.

Before Celestia could ask anything, voices were heard coming from the door. Geez, why aren't walls soundproof here yet? Door opened and two persons entered the room. One of them was Mr. Jones, and another one, Don.

If you ask me how to describe Don...Well, fuse viking, bear, kindness, care and frightening amount of blood knowledge. Yup, weird combination, but it works. Anyway, about his appearance. He is 48 years old and a GIANT! Seriously, how the hell did he become so big!? He is two times bigger than I am, and really strong! Mostly, he is wearing clothes like Willson (they are bigger of course) and brown boots. He has a big black beard (I mean seriously, we found a donut once there!) which he is usually petting when thinking. His hair is the same color and extremely curly. 

What do I say about him...He is this type of person who looks strong (and actually is), but very soft and caring. Yup.

Don looked right at me (somehow not noticing Celestia) and approaches fastly. I swear I could feel vibrations from his stomps. 

He crossed arms on his chest and raised his eyebrow "Mind explaining yourself, Mr 'I Do It For A Cause'?"

I sweated a bit "Uh...I...Did it for a..Cause?" I smiled nervously.

Don sighed and crouched on my level, putting his hand on my shoulder "Max...I told you not to overdo yourself, didn't I?" I nodded silently "Did I tell you to warn me whenever you feel tired or weak?" I nodded again "I and, I'm 100% sure, everyone else here don't want to see you suffer"

I exhaled and looked at the floor "I know..."

Don continued "So please, after we are done here, make sure to have a break or a day off"

I nodded "Alright, I guess I might actually have something to do.."

Don smiled and ruffled my hair (much to my dissapointment) "Way to go buddy"

Mr. Jones coughed in his fist "Don, I think you could at least greet our guest"

Don looked back at scientist confused "Guest?" he FINALLY looked behind me and gasped "Oh my! Princess Celestia!" he put arm to his chest and bowed his head "My apologies.."

Celestia smiled "It's alright Don, I understand your feelings"

Don chuckled and put his arm behind his neck "Heh..." he then turned back to Jones "Ahem, so, I suppose I have to demonstrate the 'Extraction' process?"

Mr. Jones nodded "Eyup, but this time, let's just end on one flask" he motioned his head towards me "You know"

Don clapped his hands together "Very well then!" he turned towards me "Max, take your position"

I nodded and wlked towards the door near to the sofa. Entering it and going through another door, I stopped in the white room. Approaching chair and sitting on it, I placed my arms on the armrest. Celestia, Don and Jones stood together nearby to the monitors. Don seemed to be explaining something to the princess. Looked towards me and raised his eyebrow. I nodded and closed my eyes, resting head on the cushion behind it.

Shells closed on my arms and in a few seconds, I felt pricking on them. Soon after, red liquid started to run through the tubes. Yup, my blood. I yawned, drifting off.

Maybe just a little na-..

...

Nope, this is obviously a bad idea. Fuck you, death, maybe another day.

It ended very quickly. I mean, literally 10 seconds. It usually takes up to 15 minutes to fully finish this process, but since we are doing it just for showing...Yeah.

I opened my eyes and looked through the glass. Celestia seemed...Surprised, to say the least. I mean, her widened eyes were enough for me to understand that she didn't expect THIS to be extraction. Shells opened, revealing my arms. They  had red dots around them. I waited for Don to enter the room. I felt a little bit more tired. Since when did I become THAT weak!?

Don entered the room with bandages in his hand "How are you feeling?"

I yawned "Lil' bit out there" I motioned my head up.

Don picked up my arm and started bandaging it "You won't come here tomorrow"

I raised my eyebrow "Wuh..?"

He explained "Well, tommorow is your oficial first day off. Like I said, we just cannot alow you to become a living mummie" he finished with my second arm.

Ah yes, classic bandaged arms like I'm being assaulted by parents. 

I shrugged "Fair enough" 

Don approached chair from behind and unscrewed little flask "Do you think you can walk?"

I nodded "Yaah..." I slowly stood up and approached the door.

Me and Don entered the room with Celestia and Mr. Jones. Princess was looking at me with worry in her eyes.

Don awkwardly coughed in his fist "So..Ahem!..Here is the main part of the 'Gate' " he was holding flask with my blood in his fingers.

I said "Now that you know the main secret, I'd ask you to keep it like that" I then sweated "Uh...If it's fine with you of course..."

Celestia looked back at me "I understand your request. It's just.." she sighed "You are giving a lot so that ponies and humans can live together" she then looked at me with her legendary smile (I mean it) "I really appriciate it" she slightly bowed her head.

I clipped my eyes "I...You are w-welcome..?" I shook my head "But uh...I think it's worth the result...Yeah"

Sooner, we were walking through the corridors again. I was walking behind, with Don on my side. Celestia was looking at me with a worrying expression time to time, but I assured her that I was fine. Finally, we arrived at yet another door. This one had the Level '4' mark as well. 

Mr. Jones opened it. Room had two tables with computers on each. There stood a weird looking panel with four identical holes. Above, was another wall made out of hardened dark glass. This time though, it was showing a massive room with a metallic circle with dark lines all over it. The door was connected to the 'Gate' with metallic bridge. I don't really understand why did they need to make room THAT big, not like I'm complaining though. People inside were walking around it, making sure it was ready for another charge. They were under the bridge and around the 'Gate'. There was a ladder to come up and down.

Mr. Jones looked at Celestia "As you know, Level '1' is responsible for transporting humans and ponies. Level '2' is responsible for making sure the place is clean andd noone and nopony else are inside during functioning. Level '3' is responsible for 'Gate's' functioning" he then pointed at the panel "And finally, Level '4' is responsible for...Fuelling, if we can call it like that"

Celestia nodded "I see"

Don approached the panel and screwed flask inside of the hole. Then, he approached one of the monitors and tapped something on the keyboard "We are regulating how the 'Gate' is erm... Fuelled, as well as an extra monitor for it's overall functionality"

And thhere they go...At this rate, I wasn't listening at all and simply stood there, deep in my thoughts. I mean, what should I do tomorrow? Staying at the facility is well...Not cool. Maybe I could finally have a walk after not leaving building for a year straight. But where can I go..Eh, probably will ask Jannet. Besides, it's interesting to see how this town changed after-

Don waved his hand before my face "Ahooy! Buddy!"

I clipped my eyes "Eh?"

Mr. Jones chuckled "Turned off again?"

I nodded "Yeeaah...I guess. Excuse me" I adressed Celestia.

Princess smiled "You don't have to" she turned towards scientists "So, when we will meet again?"

Mr. Jones shrugged "Next week I suppose. Now, mind if I walk you towards the 'Gate'?"

Celestia nodded "That would be a pleasure"

Don stayed at the Fuelling room. Me, Mr. Jones and Princess Celestia headed towards the elevator. 

When we approached it, I stopped "Well...I suppose this is where we say goodbye, your majesty"

Mr. Jones rolled his eyes "Oh please, at some point you will HAVE to reveal yourself!"

I shrugged "Guess not today"

Celestia and Jones entered the elevator "It was nice meeting you, Max"

I nodded "Likewise"

Princess turned around "I look forward to see you again soon"

I bowed a bit "Your wish is my command...I think"

Elevator's doors closed, hiding Celestia and Jones. An idea sparked in my mind and I walked towards Fuelling room as fast as I could. 

I entered it, and Don looked at me confused "Uh...Did you need me?"

I shook my head and pointed towards the 'Gate' "Well, I want to look at something" I approached the glass wall.

Don had confused expression "Uh, sure? But I thought you saw 'Gate's' operation a lot of times already" he approached it as well.

I shrugged "Well, it's always fascinating"

Oh yes it was. Fascinating as hell.

But I wanted to see something else.

All engineers, janitors and other workers left. There stood two figures on the bridge. Princess Celestia and Mr. Jones, obviously. They were chatting. Suddenly, lines around the gate started to change colors. Some lines were colored light blue, while other were bright crimson. Space in the middle of a gate started to be filled with transparent light blue aura. When it was fully filled, smal bright red lightnings started to erupt from the ends of the 'Gate'. Celestia turned around and started trotting towards the portal. But suddenly, she stopped, turned her head around and...winked at Mr. Jones! Scientist awkwardly put his hand behind his head. Princess entered the portal and dissapeared with a fast and weak flash.

Me and Don exchanged confused looks. They turned into sly grins quite fast.

Now we could roast him as much as we wanted.

Half an hour later, I was in my room, looking through the window. It was already early evening. There were more people and ponies walking and flying. A lot of cafes, shops and other buisnesses were open and alive. 

I was already washed and fell on the bed "Well, guess sooner or later I will HAVE to walk around"

I put off my clothes and crawled under the bed sheets. Bandages itched a bit, but I got used to it. I grabbed a remote control and tapped few buttons. Light turned off, and windows darkened a bit, so that light wouldn't come in my room. 

Time to get some sleep.