In the summer of 2002, Twilight fulfilled her promise to Spike. Upon earning her degree, she returned home, taking up jobs building computers to accumulate her savings. Little by little, she added instruments to their collection. Within three months, they were ready to begin writing.
Twilight called Rarity near the end of August. She explained the situation and what their goal was.
"Around the time we met, Spike brought up an interesting point. So many metal bands focus on the dark stuff, and it kinda makes sense given the history of the genre, but it doesn't necessarily have to be that way."
"You're looking to expand its creative limits." Rarity surmised.
"Basically."
"Do you have a name?"
"Spike and I were talking about that. We decided on Fields of Grace. We got the name from the art on State Craft's first CD."
"I like it. Simple, but effective."
"We wanna go for a sound that combines Adamantium with 7 Angels 7 Plagues. Spike figured a similar balance between melody and brutality would keep it from feeling too cheesy."
"Fair enough."
"When you get here, you guys can pick your instruments. I called dibs on rhythm guitar. Spike's on vocal duty."
"Excellent. We'll be there as soon as we can."
"Cool."
A few hours later, Rarity arrived with the others. Velvet had baked cookies in preparation for their appearance.
"Twilight told us you were coming," the mare explained, "Feel free to take one."
"Thanks!" Sweetie squeaked excitedly.
Rarity smiled. Their parents didn't typically approve of dessert before dinner, but nobody else had to know...
"Yo," Twilight greeted, "You guys about ready?"
"Heck, yeah," Rainbow replied, "I'm gonna shred on lead!"
"I've been practicing on our banjo back home," Applejack revealed, "I think I'd feel most comfortable on bass."
"Dibs on drums!" Pinkie squealed.
"Rarity, would you mind filling in on synths," Twilight requested, "I'm assuming you're classically trained."
"Perceptive," Rarity confirmed, "I'll do what I can to contribute."
"Awesome. We've got our positions filled. The rest of you can chill out while we're recording. We've got tons of games and stuff to play. Pick something you like and we'll play back the recording when we're done."
Spike waited for the girls in he and Twilight's room. He was watching Cooler's Revenge on his computer when they walked in. The siblings had added a poster to their décor since the movie's release. The dragon paused the film to acknowledge his friends.
"Hey, guys."
"Enjoying big sweaty guys beating each other up, I see." Rainbow teased.
"Like you don't."
"I can't lie."
"Everyone's already picked out their instruments," Twilight informed her brother, "We can go ahead and get started."
Spike stood up, stretching and cracking his limbs.
"All right. Let's do this."
The group assumed their designated positions. Spike handed each of them three sheets of paper with their segments written down.
"I already tweaked everything ," Twilight stated, "We've gotta practice a bit before we record. When we're ready, we'll use the CD recorder to compile all three songs onto a demo."
"Hey, Twi, what gives," Rainbow protested, "There aren't any solos on these!"
"We didn't write these with solos in mind. We can add them for the full-length."
"Ah, I see. We're actually doing more than one release."
"The quality will probably sound like crap."
"The way it should be."
"Exactly."
Spike retrieved his microphone, though he wasn't quite ready to use it just yet. Taking things slow, the group opened with an instrumental cover of "Until the Day Breathes and the Shadows Flee" by 7 Angels 7 Plagues. It was a bittersweet homage to the recently defunct metalcore outfit. Just as quickly as it began, it ended with a distorted power chord.
"Man...I'm really gonna miss those guys..." Rainbow reminisced.
"Yeah...," Twilight agreed, "I think we all will..."
The next song turned out to be an extension of the cover. It was a completely new addition with original lyrics, riffs, and percussion. Small doses of complexity were included to keep things interesting. Fills were unpredictable and erratic. Chords transitioned from melodic lamentations to brutal chugging in the blink of an eye, and at the center of it all, Spike stood firm with mic in hand and heart on his sleeve. Interestingly enough, this particular song was dedicated to Cadence, Shining, and Flurry. It told the story of children around the world and the affection of their parents during infancy.
"CRADLE ME TO A BETTER PLACE, SO THAT I MAY WAKE AND FACE THE DAY! WIPE THESE TEARS OF GRIEF FROM MY FACE! KISS MY WOUNDS THAT THEY MAY HEAL AND OBFUSCATE! MY EYES SHINE WHEN I AM GRACED BY YOUR PRESENCE WITH MRONING'S RAYS! CHERISH ME! PROTECT ME! HELP ME LIVE A BETTER WAY!"
The group briefly transitioned back to the original cover for the outro. For just a moment, Rainbow's rough and tumble demeanor evaporated, scattering like ash to the wind.
"Jesus. Talk about intense."
"The relationship between kids and parents becomes strained as we grow older," Spike analyzed, "I guess I wanted to write about the gratitude that comes with being protected and loved as a child. There's a deep yearning inside us that longs for the innocence of youth. A world where everyone feels valued is one I feel that's worth creating."
"I think I get why you're so close to your folks now. That disconnect never happened with you guys.."
"We were never particularly disobedient aside from the occasional cookie jar incident. I suspect that helped in some regard."
Sweetie and Rarity felt a chill of guilt slither down their spines.
"Even if that were the case, I'm sure you would've grown out of it. They would've loved you regardless."
"I know, but look at how many kids are cold and distant to their parents these days. There's a difference between rebellion and alienation. At least with the former, they're still engaged with one another."
"I think I get where you're comin' from. You feel like learning gratitude early could at least reign in the problem."
"That's about the size of it. Mom and dad are always doing nice things for us. It's only fair we make an effort to do the same."
"You've put a lot of thought into this. Why don't we take a break and grab somethin' to eat? Might help you clear your head a bit."
"Yeah...Sounds good."
"Mom bought pizza rolls earlier," Twilight cut in, "Why don't we put those in and switch the movie over to the TV? We can practice the last song later."
"I'm game." Rainbow replied.