The plains rolled below Rainbow Dash as she darted across the countryside. The wind in her mane, her wings flapping rapidly, and no headwind to slow her down. It was a perfect day, partly because she and the weather ponies had cleared the sky, and she was just going to visit Fluttershy at her cottage. But when she finally got there, she saw Twilight out front, pacing at the door.

"Hey, Twilight. Me and Fluttershy were gonna fly over to the Town Square, place some chewed-up gum in the middle, and see what happens. You wanna come?"

"Oh, um…Fluttershy can't make it today, Rainbow. She's kinda…riding the cotton pony, if you know what I mean."

Twilight received a blank stare from the rainbow pony.

"You know…Time of the month? Having your flowers? Up on blocks?"

"Oh…that. Well, I'll just leave her alone and-"

"Hey guys!" Pinkie came bouncing up the dirt road leading to Fluttershy's cottage.

"I was just wondering if Fluttershy would like to go bake some cupcakes with me. I know they're her favorite."

"No, Pinkie Pie," replied Rainbow Dash. "Fluttershy's…Aunt Flo is coming to visit, if you catch my drift."

"Ooh, where is she?! I can't wait to meet her!"

"No, not like that. It's-"

"Yoo-hoo! Fluttershy!" called Rarity, trotting up to the cottage in a ridiculously expensive-looking outfit from her shop.

"I have started a new line of clothing that would look great on you. You must come to my boutique right away!"

"You might wanna test on somepony else, Rarity," said Twilight. "She's kinda riding the crimson wave at the moment."

"Well, her surfing simply cannot wait. These dresses are for the lighter ponies, and the green goes right with her eyes."

"Pardon me, but, uh, I was wonderin' if y'all could come and try some of the newest batch of apple cider before it comes out."

"We'll have to save Fluttershy some," said Rainbow. "She's…on the rag ya know?"

"Oh…ah see…Well, we'll be sure to give her some when she's feelin' better."

"Where's her Aunt Flo, already?! I wanna see her!" Pinkie impatiently complained.

"There's no Aunt Flo, Pinkie. Her…redheaded cousin is coming to visit." Rainbow explained.

"Ooh, her cousin?! That's way better! I gotta play with her!"

"Does Fluttershy need any help with her critters?" Applejack asked.

"No, she's fed them," Twilight replied.

"Fluttershy, please! You must come and try this new dress! I'll even give it to you free of charge!" Rarity called.

"Rarity, not now. She's…got the curse." Applejack said.

"A curse? Well, that's just terrible. I'll leave her alone right away. What kind of curse?"

"Uh…" Applejack turned a bright red. "It's kinda…You know that thing we have with the…you know…monthlies?"

"Oh! OH! That! Well, I am sorry for not knowing that right away. I'll just be on my way and-"

The door slammed open and Fluttershy came out, looking extremely annoyed.

"Will you all be QUIET?!" The force of her yell sent Rarity into the bushes. Everypony excused themselves from the cottage and went on their way.

"Don't worry," Rainbow Dash assured. "When it's passed, she'll probably come over and apologize to everypony."

"Does Fluttershy not like her cousin or something?" Pinkie asked.

"Pinkie-" Twilight countered.

"It's best she doesn't know, Twilight." Rainbow interrupted.

O_O