James and Rarity had to wake up early so they could get to Ponyville in time for Hearth Warming Eve that James learned was their version of Christmas. The two left the hotel after they showered and got changed into a pair of clean clothes that they packed. They boarded the train and didn’t bother going for an empty cart since the whole train itself was full with ponies that were probably going to visit family. There was a seat still left open and James gave it to Rarity because he was kind that way. Rarity smiled at him for the kind gesture and took the seat. The train ride was hell trying to stay standing in a packed train but was worth it. James made a mental checklist to make sure that he had everything that he needed to give everypony. James was certain but would make sure that the presents were still in the closet that he put them in.

They arrived at Ponyville still in mid early morning and got off the train and went their separate ways but not before Rarity came over and gave James a kiss on the cheek. As James walked down the road for the library he was hit with sudden realization that he never really planned out how to get the girls to agree to the harem idea. James thought this out when he first learned about it in way that it would probably all work itself out on its own just like everything did. Now that Hearth Warming Eve was here he was now coming to the point that his plan was really stupid and if this didn’t work out he was going to be in serious trouble. James wouldn’t mind if the girls gave him a beating or talked him down it was the fact that he could lose their friendship that had him so worried. James then looked down to his shirt and started to think that when he was with a certain mare for an event he wore the shirt bearing their cutie mark. The shirts probably would add to the problem of having this whole idea work since the shirts only bared one cutie mark then the mare that he was with would think that he was loyal to them. Then the other problem was that there needed to be a lead mare for the harem since mares were dominant. James had no idea who to pick since all of them were very good choices to be lead mare so he couldn’t find any reason to choose.

Through all his thinking James arrived at the library and took a long breath before entering the house. As he entered he saw Twilight next to the fireplace and tree that she had set up a couple of days ago. Although in pony tradition they didn’t have any pine trees to put the presents Twilight wanted to try the whole tree and stockings thing since she wanted to see it from a human perspective on their traditions. James never cared for a tree or stockings because he felt what made the day special was the comfort of friends and family being there. During his time with Twilight and her questions about human holidays James told her the story of Santa Claus and how he delivered presents. Twilight wanting to enjoy this holiday as much as she could wore a Santa Claus outfit though it was a little short on her as it barely stopped at the top of her thighs. As Twilight bent forward to make sure everything was in place James couldn’t help but sneak a peek at her flank. As James looked though he felt as though Twilight knew he was staring at her and started swishing her tail back and forth teasing him, which caused the man to blush. James was too distracted to see that Twilight turned around quickly and stared intently at him. Once James saw that her eyes were looking at him with some type of false anger he tried to play it off the he didn’t do anything. James whistled as he walked towards the stairs and head to his room. As he passed Twilight he got a light punch in the arm from the lavender mare and a small smile. As James began to ascend the stairs Twilight called out to him.

“Hey James I hope you don’t mind but Spitfire, Lightning Dust, Lyra, Octavia, and Vinyl are coming over to celebrate.”

“The more the merrier Twilight. It wouldn’t be as fun if all my friends weren’t here to celebrate. Now if you’ll excuse me I need to head to my room and grab the presents for you all.”

“Oh James you didn’t have to get us all presents. We are glad just to be able to see you happy during your stay here and that is all that we could ever ask for. Then also some little action on the side.” That last part was said in a hushed tone so James wasn’t able to hear what she said exactly.

“It just wouldn’t feel right to have this celebration and not give you ponies any gifts. I want to show my appreciation for every single one of you and I am sure that you all will be happy at the gifts that I got you.” James then continued up the stairs to his room and entered it. Once James was inside he went to his drawers and pulled out Spitfire’s fire gem that was neatly wrapped. James sat it on top of the dresser to put away later because that would surprise her when he gave it to her. James then walked over to the closet and saw that all the other presents were there and wrapped neatly as well when he left them. James pulled them out and carried them down to the tree and placed them around in a circle. Once placed in the circle James headed back to his room to finish the drawing of his house.

When James was in his room he closed the door and went over to his drawing desk. James took note of all the room locations and was still happy with where they were located. He just needed to add the last few rooms and he would send it over to Jack Hammer who was more than happy to build the house when the plans were finished. James drew Lyra’s room that would be mint green like her coat but have a golden hue to it to match her eyes. The room is next to Fluttershy’s. James then added a special room like Octavia’s where Lyra could play her harp peacefully. Vinyl’s room is next to Pinkie’s and was white wall designed but with special tinted windows so it could be dark if she wanted it to be. There would be four speakers located around the room and a special recording studio. Twilight’s would be next to Rainbow’s room and was painted a lighter lavender than her coat and would have stars on the ceiling. Bookshelves would cover up most of the walls for any books that she wanted. Rarity’s room is located next to Lightning’s and would be indigo like her mane and would have two special designed rooms. The first is just an expansive closet that would be enhanced so that she could place anything that she wanted to in it. The other was a working room so she could continue to design clothing. After all the rooms were place and everything was labeled properly James called over Owlowiscious and asked him to take the plans over to Jack Hammer. Owlowiscious just gave a who and then grabbed the plans and flew off. There was still time left before James’ friends arrived so he took a quick nap.

Dream Realm

James was sitting with Demarco, David, Connor, Jacob, and Blake celebrating a merry Christmas. As time went by the six of them grew closer together than when they first started. They were close enough now that James had his and everyone else’s files pulled up so they could better understand each other. They were able to learn their strengths and weaknesses and help improve some of their abilities so they could be better. James then noticed a soldier watching the six friends sitting together and having a good time. James remembered that when he was sitting with them that he did see a soldier but did nothing because he didn’t think anything of it. As the night drew close they all got up from their camp fire and headed to their tent to have a few good drinks and do a little gift exchange. Demarco got James the knife that he uses now. James got Connor a book on roman history combat. Connor got Jacob a new pair of glasses as Jacob was having sight problems. Jacob got Blake a necklace with a lucky bullet on it. Blake got David a photo of the six of them together at his birthday party. David got Demarco two long daggers so he could have some silent weapons to use. The gifts weren’t expensive or extravagant but they were glad to be together.

Real World

James woke up to Twilight nudging him on the side. James saw the time and knew that it was time for everypony to open their presents. After Twilight left the room James changed shirts to a plain one so that nopony felt that he was wanting them specifically. James walked down the stairs and was greeted by many bright smiles. James returned the smiles with one of his own and took his seat on the middle of the couch. Twilight came out with a camera and everypony got together in front of the fireplace to have a picture taken. After the picture was taken and everypony had a nice cup of hot chocolate Twilight went about distributing the presents. Trixie opened her first and was very happy, so happy in fact that she opened the book and tried one of the visual spells. The one that she tried would allow her to make it feel like it rained not too long ago. Pinkie opened hers up next and when she was the sweet cookbook she literally exploded. By exploded he meant that she was gone and could not be found. Everypony looked at him with confusion and slight anger that he made their friend blow up. After two minutes of complete silence and shock Pinkie showed up out of nowhere again and gave James a huge hug. This was a very strong hug from her that he has ever received by the pink mare that he couldn’t breath.

“Pinkie… Choking… Not… Breathing…” James breathed to get Pinkie to let up on her death grip. Pinkie released the man and giggled a little at almost causing him to pass out from lack of oxygen. As she pulled away she kissed his cheek and James saw the other ten mares get a little angry at what Pinkie did. James was silently yelling in his head that they wouldn’t call her out on her actions and open the rest of the presents. James relaxed a little as Twilight went back to passing out the presents.

Octavia opened her present and looked very happy to see her new bow and case. She was surprised though because the case and bow weren’t simple products. They were top of the line and new products that just recently came out in stores. She looked at James with confusion and worry at her present but James was able to calm her down with a smile and a wave of his hand to show that it was no big deal. Rarity opened her present and she being the drama queen that she was almost fainted at the design book that she got. She got up from her seat and wrapped his head around her arms and pulled him into her breasts cutting off his oxygen. Once she let go James couldn’t control the blush that was coming on his face and then saw the mare look even angrier than what happened with Pinkie. Nopony said anything still and continued with their presents.

Fluttershy opened her present and gave a very loud yay that nearly blew James’ ears out. James could say with certainty that she was very happy with her new veterinary books. Lightning Dust opened hers and gave James a quick hug for the flight book that she wanted. The hug was quick enough that nopony really seemed to care this time. Rainbow Dash opened hers and was extremely happy at the Daring Do collection that she got but hid it away not wanting the other ponies to know that she was an egghead. Vinyl opened hers and hugged the sub woofers that she got and looked at James very happily. James noticed that Vinyl wasn’t wearing her magenta goggles and James felt happy that she was walking around not wearing them. Lyra opened hers and gave a loud squeal at the new harp. She looked at James trying to see if this was real or not. James nodded his head showing that it was hers and it was very real. Lyra had little tears coming down her eyes as she just looked at the harp. Twilight opened her present and looked at the old tome with curiosity.

“James do you know exactly what kind of spell tome that you got me?”

“Not specifically no but I felt that you would enjoy it.”

“This is an old Starswirl The Bearded tome that was thought to be lost.”

“Well then I guess you get a very special magic book then from one of the few most powerful unicorns to live.” As James watched Twilight look over the book with interest James saw Spitfire pick up her book and James started to grin. As Spitfire slowly opened it James could feel his heart beat against his chest waiting to see her reaction. After it was completely unwrapped Spitfire just stared at the book. After staring at the book Spitfire turned to look at James then back at the book. She did this a couple of times trying to comprehend what she was given. After a while of waiting James just burst out laughing at what was going on. As James was laughing he didn’t see the book come flying that ended up hitting him in the face.

“Do you really think it is that funny James?”

“I actually think it is very funny Spits.”

“You know that I can’t cook so why would you get me a cookbook?”

“I just thought that it would help you learn how to cook and make better meals.” James was still chuckling at how Spitfire was reacting but had to grab her wrist as she turned to leave the library.

“James let go of me. That was a very cruel gift that you gave me.”

“Hold on Spits before you leave would you like your real present.”

“What do you mean real present? I thought the cookbook was my present.”

“No it wasn’t. The cookbook was just a gag gift for you. I have your real present in my back pocket.” James reached in his back pocket and pulled out the little gift. He handed it to Spitfire and she took it with haste. Spitfire looked at the gift then back at James trying to see if he was hiding any motives.

“If this is another gag gift James I will give you such a thrashing.”

“Don’t worry Spits I Pinkie promise that it is not another gag gift.” After James said that he looked at Pinkie who was making the little gestures. James sighed and did the action to show that he was serious about the Pinkie promise.

“What was that you just did?”

“That is the action for a Pinkie promise. I’ll explain it all later but for now you should open your gift.” Spitfire took one last glance at James and then the present and began to open it. As she opened it her eyes grew wide at the necklace that she got. She looked at James then back at the necklace and then back at James. James just smiled at Spitfire as she looked at him with confusion. Once Spitfire was able to collect her thoughts she punched James in the arm very hard so that it killed his nerve endings again.

“What was that for? That is your present.”

“Do you realize how much these things cost to get and how rare they are?”

“I do actually that it made me nearly broke to get you it. I don’t regret it though because I thought it would look very beautiful on you. Here let me help you get it on.” Spitfire handed him the necklace and moved her mane out of the way so he could put the necklace on. After he put the necklace on Spitfire walked over to the mirror and saw how the stone shined and accentuated her beauty. She turned around and walked towards James. Once she was centimeters away she moved in for a very passionate kiss. They kissed for a few seconds and parted breathing heavily. All the other mares looked at the two with pure anger at them. They collected their cool for now because they would go at each other’s throats later.

“James I’m sorry to say that none of us got you any presents.” Twilight looked at James with sorrow in her eyes but it was the same for every mare.

“I’m fine with not having any presents but if you want to get me something then you could contribute twenty-five bits to my new home that I am building.”

“You’re having a house built here in town?”

“Yeah I felt the need for a house and I already have it designed and sent off the blueprints so it should be finished in the end of the week. Well I need to head to my room so I can get a few other things checked out and give Jack Hammer a call so everything is okay.” James left up the stairs while the eleven mares stayed downstairs. Once James was upstairs he stayed near the corner to see what the mares were going to be talking about.

Library Living Room

“Spitfire what the hell do you think you were doing kissing my man?” Lightning Dust asked as she looked at Spitfire with daggers in her eyes.

“What do you mean your man? He belongs to me.” All the other mares said this to Lightning Dust but after they said that they all looked at each other seeing that they all said the same thing.

“Well before we start anything I just want to say that since I had sex with him first.” Rarity boasted this showing that she was the one to be with him. Trixie then spoke up.

“Well James must have had to cover his eyes in order to not go blind from your ugly body. And besides I also had sex with James.” Trixie insulted Rarity and was ready for any fight that the fashionista would put against her. Pinkie was the next to speak up although she seemed upset and her mane was also flattened a little.

“Well I also had sex with James and I believe that I was more enjoyable than some show mare.” Twilight was standing in the sidelines but was seeing a pattern starting to develop so she had to ask the question.

“Rarity out of all the mares here I would have you know that I was the first to have sex with him. I mean I am the most loyal to him after all since I truly want him for who he is.” Spitfire grinned at Rarity’s reaction as she was beaten to the punch.

“That may be true Spitfire but James was nice enough to let me play a concert piece that I created during my off time just for him. He also let me play it naked in front of him.” Octavia grinned at Spitfire whose eyes were now burning with anger.

“Yeah well at least thanks to James standing up to a rude stallion and looking at me like a normal mare I can go around town without wearing my goggles with pride and show off my eyes. He truly likes me for myself and doesn’t see a monster like most ponies do.” Vinyl added her two bits in the conversation showing that it was thanks to James she didn’t care what the others thought about her.

“James stood up to my father and now he won’t ever come near me with any evil intent since James knocked him down a peg. James was willing to sacrifice himself to a unicorn just to make I stayed safe.” Lyra now butted in the conversation showing her own feelings. During this whole fight though Fluttershy stayed back in a corner not wanting to fight.

“Okay out of everypony here how many of us had sex with James willingly and not trying to force or trick him?” Everypony raised their hands and now things were getting very heated. Insults were now being thrown back and forth and they started fighting with each other physically too. James watched the spectacle and was beginning to worry that the mares were going to really hurt each other. As James tried to think of a plan Owlowiscious showed up and James had a miracle idea. James went inside his room and pulled out the relationship law book that he borrowed. He gave the book to the owl and told him to give the book to Twilight. The owl flew away with the book and went downstairs. Some of the mares were bleeding and Rarity seemed scarier than ever since she has stopped caring about how she needed to keep her dress clean. The owl gave Twilight the book and Twilight went to the page that was booked marked.

“Hey girls hold up. It says here that a stallion doesn’t need to belong to one mare but could belong to two to three other mares and form a herd. So if we want to settle this in a more civilized way where we don’t kill each other I guess that we split into teams. The team that can take James on a good date and have sex with him will be able to have him and the losers will need to go find a new lover interest.” All the mares looked at each other then nodded in agreement to Twilight’s plan.

“So then who will be in the teams then?” Rainbow Dash asked pushing a tissue in her nose to help stop the bleeding.

“Well the teams are split as such. Spitfire and Lightning Dust are a team. Octavia, Lyra, and Vinyl are another team. Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie on another team. Then myself, Rarity, and Trixie on the other team. You can also come on the date but you must remain away at all times and not interfere unless you believe that one of the teams is cheating. The other point of coming is to also maybe avoid some type of publicity show since there are a few of us that are famous and could draw a lot of unwanted attention. So does everypony agree to the terms?”

“We all agree to the terms and conditions of the challenge and wish all of you the best of luck.” All the mares agreed to this and all shook hands. James was upstairs and banging his head for bookmarking the wrong page. He meant to have the page that talked about harems bookmarked. James thought about what his options were and decided to do this the hard way. He will go on the dates but try to worm his way out of having sex with them. Hoping this will work James went to his room hoping that he could get this to work out better than he was feeling that it would. James went to bed and hoped that in the morning that there would be some good things would happen.

Author's Notes:

Thanks to ErikTheSoulReaper for fixing my stupid idea that I had for doing this chapter and with his new one I think this will turn out a lot better.