Author's Note

ANOTHER CHAPTER! WOOOOT! This one really did not want to come out. But it happened and I'm grateful. Sort of a filler chapter, but still important.

I do not own Bedtime For Baby Star. All credit goes to the writers and prop designers of Criminal Minds.

Get ready for some Mommy Daughter bonding, though it might not be in the way you think. Not yet at least

Chapter name inspired by the song of the same name by Aviators. Check out the acoustic version. It rocks. And it's based on Magical Mystery Cure! How awesome is that?!

ENJOY THE CHAPTER!!!!

Open Your Eyes

As the girls made their way back toward Rainbow Dash’s room, Windy Whistles slowly opened her eyes to see an unfamiliar ceiling. Her memory foggy, she looked around, and realized that she was in the castle. But… how did she get there? She sat up, and suddenly her memories came flooding back.

The cage.

Tirek.

The Rainboom.

But most importantly…

“Dashie!” She exclaimed to herself. Panic raced through her body and she flew like a bullet to Rainbow Dash’s room, not even noticing her daughter’s friends walking down the hall. The door was open, and she settled onto the ground just inside the doorway to see a beautiful sight.

Her husband had their daughter in his lap, and they were both surrounded by the other mothers of the group. Her heart swelled with emotion, and the unbreakable bond that motherhood created between ponies. For just a moment, she took in the scene, and then she stepped forward.

“Looks like my little filly has made some new friends.” She sang.

Rainbow’s head shot up at the voice, and she looked to see her mother in the doorway. She felt herself beginning to cry again as she shot up from her father’s lap and into her mother’s hooves. “Mama!” She cried.

Windy Whistles rubbed her daughter’s back comfortingly. “Shhhh. It’s alright, Dashie.” She soothed.

“I sowwy! I sowwy!” She sobbed.

Windy sat down on the bed and cradled Rainbow in her lap. “What are you sorry for, sweetie?” She asked.

“My fauwt. I taken an’ you huwt. My fauwt.” She whimpered.

Windy’s face fell, and she looked at her daughter, eyes brimming with compassion and motherly love. “Oh sweetheart, it’s not your fault. It’s nopony’s fault but Tirek’s. I did what I did because I love you and I will never ever let you get hurt. I misjudged my landing and was so tired that I fell asleep for a while, that’s all. Nopony got hurt. And even if I did, it would have been completely worth it to know that you were okay. When you have kids someday, you will understand what I mean. My job as your mommy is to protect you, always. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. Do you understand me?” She asked.

Rainbow slowly nodded. Then, she yawned, and Windy smiled down at her.

“I think somepony’s sleepy.” She cooed. “Why don’t you get back in bed for a nap?” She suggested.

“Stowy Fiwst?” She begged, with pleading eyes. Windy’s heart melted.

“Alright, honey. What story do you want to hear?”

“Baby Staw! Baby Staw!” She cheered. Windy laughed jubilantly.

“Alright, Alright. Bedtime For Baby Star.” She began.

“Once there was a baby star.
She lived up near the sun.
And every night at bedtime that baby star wanted to have some fun.
She would shine and shine, and fall and shoot and twinkle oh-so-bright.
And she said, “Mommy, I’ll run away if you make me say goodnight.”
And then her mommy kissed her,” Windy paused to kiss Rainbow’s nose, “On her sparkly nose and said,
“No matter where you go, no matter where you are,
no matter how big you grow and even if you stray far,
I’ll love you forever,
because you’ll always be
my baby star.”

The end.”

By the end of the story, Rainbow was asleep. Windy and Bow each kissed one of her cheeks, then went out of the room, and into the hallway, along with the other mothers. Their daughters were by the door, having seen just about everything that occurred in the room. Windy and Bow shared a kiss and a look before turning to the other mothers in the room.

“Thank you so much for taking care of our little girl.” Windy said, sincerely.

“Our pleasure.” Said Velvet.

“It was so nice taking care of a foal again.” Said Mrs. Shy.

“Even if it was just for a day.” Added Cookie.

“Well, what if it wasn’t just one day?”

Everypony turned to Twilight, who was blushing lightly.

“What do you mean, Twily?” Asked Velvet.

“We all talked about it, and we decided we want to try what Rainbow Dash is doing.”

There was a beat of silence. Then:

“Are you sure?” That was Cookie.

They all nodded. Windy fluttered off of the ground in excitement. “Oh, that’s wonderful! I’m sure Dashie would love some playmates!” She squeaked.

The five friends smiled. Each mother went to her daughter. Mrs. Shy was first, and hugged Fluttershy. “Oh, this is wonderful dear. You are so sweet.”

Cookie was next as she put a hoof under Rarity’s chin. “This is the most generous thing I’ve ever seen you do.” She kissed her daughter on the cheek.

Pear Butter followed. “This is the best gift you could’ve given me.” She hugged Applejack tightly.

Cloudy Quartz came after. Her small smile and shining eyes spoke more words than Pinkie had said in a lifetime.

Velvet was last. She hugged her daughter so tightly it must have hurt. “I can’t wait to have my Twily back.”

“You never lost her.” Twilight said thickly.

Velvet sniffed, and looked up. “Well ladies, looks like we’ve got work to do.”

For the rest of the day, The mothers used their magic, flight, and strength, to prepare the largest spare room in the castle for the next day. They did not allow their children to enter, and Finished their preparations a little before nightfall. The fathers all sepent some welcome time with their kids. Everypony seemed excited. And they were.

All but one.

Bow Hothoof found himself filled with dread. Not at the thought at his daughter having playmates for a day. No, that wasn’t it at all. What he worried about was his daughter’s reaction to them. He knew logically that his daughter loved and adored her friends. But how she would react to them finding out her biggest secret was one thing he wasn’t sure of. He didn’t have time to dwell on the matter as his daughter began to wake from her nap.

Rainbow Dash stirred, yawning and opening her eyes. “Dada?” She asked.

“Hey there, little trotter.” He said, smiling. She stretched.

“Whewe Mama?” She asked.

Bow somehow maintained his smile. “She’s with the other Mommies.” He explained. “And I have something to tell you.” He said.

Rainbow looked up at him at his curious tone. She waited for him to continue.

Bow swallowed his nerves and worry, and continued on. “You remember when the other Mommies were here with you?” She nodded, so He continued. “Well, their little ones were right outside the door, and they saw and heard everything. And they know.”

Rainbow’s eyes widened to the size of platters, her pupils shrinking to pinpricks, and tears welling up inside of them. Bow was quick to wipe them away as they fell.

“Let Daddy finish, Dashie. They know, and they don’t care.” Her head shot up at that, and then cocked to one side in a silent question. “They don’t care. In fact, they wanted to spend all day tomorrow trying what you’re doing. They want to play with you.” He finished.

“Weawwy?” She asked.

“Really. Are you okay with that?”

Slowly, she nodded, and Bow smiled a breathtaking smile. “Good. Now, do I have a wet little filly on my hooves?”

Dashie moved around a bit, and then nodded. “Sowwy, Dada.”

“It’s fine, little one. Let’s get you changed and then you can go see your friends.”

Rainbow nodded.

This was going to be an interesting conversation.