It didn't take long for news of the human arrival to reach Canterlot. As soon as the information reached King Dainn, he ordered a detachment of reinforcements to Ponyville, via a modified train. The Might of Dainn, as it was called, resembled a spiked behemoth of a war train. Heavily armed and armored, it was said nothing in Equestria could stop it.

Nothing in Equestria being the key word. However, as the train departed, they didn't notice an Army Piper Cub flying recon overhead...

===

"It seems we have more visitors." General Eisenhower told Twilight as they surveyed the captured and dead Caribou. "One of our spotter planes saw a massive train heading towards us."

"The Might of Dainn." Twilight replied. "I've heard rumors, seems they were true. It's apparently impervious against ground attack."

What about an aerial attack?" Eisenhower asked.

"Maybe. The Caribou have always relied on captured technology over their own. They never developed airships like we did." Twilight replied. "What's your plan?"

"Well, I'll show you." Eisenhower said. "Private!"

A nearby soldier stopped at attention.

"Radio Gateway Field." Eisenhower said. "Tell our P-47 pilots there's an awfully big target coming straight our way along the railroad. Hit it hard and fast."

"Yes, sir!"

As the private scampered to a radio, Twilight perked an eyebrow.

"What's a P-47?" She asked.

"I'm glad you asked." Eisenhower replied. "The P-47 Thunderbolt is our premier ground attack aircraft. During the Second World War, the Germans would surrender at the sight of them. Considering a team of them carry enough explosives to level a city block or two, I'm still inclined to believe it."

As Twilight raised her eyebrows at the sound of roaring engines, a team of seven P-47s flew overhead towards the railway.

====
Lead Pilot James Clark, 5th Air Wing, USAAF
Fighter Squadron 7, callsign "The Hawkeyes"
====

As the P-47s streaked towards the incoming train, James motioned for his fellow Pilots to take a ground assault formation. Two of the P-47s broke off in order to patrol for enemy air units, while the other planes lined up with guns loaded.

"There's the target!" called one of the pilots as the Might of Dainn came into view, belching black smoke. "Look at the size of that thing!"

"No shit!" another added. "I can't wait to blow it sky high!"

"I bet they'll see it in Ponyville!" continued a third.

"Cut the chatter!" Clark ordered, nosing down slightly. "Begin your setup!"

As Clark's P-47 lined up with the approaching train. Clark hit the release for his payload of bombs as the train entered his sights.

===

One moment, the Caribou aboard the train were sitting quietly. The next, they were flying about and screaming as the Train took a bomb directly to the engine. The train began to somersault like a gymnast as more and more bombs hit their marks at or around it.

Then came the sudden, sickening crash that followed. As the Might of Dainn came to a careening halt, the remaining survivors filed out with their wounded.

As the Caribou took up defensive positions, Clark's P-47 turned around for another pass.

"Eden Field, this is Clark." he radioed. "The target has been stopped, the Caribou have wounded on the ground. What's our plan?"

"Clark, this is Eisenhower." came the reply. "Hit them with everything you have. Do you have any bombs left?"

"No bombs left, sir." Clark replied as he aimed his plane down. "But I've got bullets, and my guns are hot and ready."

"Good plan." Eisenhower said. "Once you've made two passes, head back to Eden to refuel. Friendly ground forces will secure the sight. Remember, two passes at most. That's an order."

"Understood, sir. Two passes." Clark said. "Heading in now."

As Clark's gunsights lined up, he pulled the trigger...and forever made the Caribou fear the skies.

====

"WATCH OUT!" a Caribou warrior screamed as the P-47 piloted by Clark cut down multiple Caribou like wheat in a field. As the plane flew off for his second pass, several Caribou fired arrows at the incoming Thunderbolt...and they missed.

As the Thunderbolt emptied his ammunition and flew back towards Eden Field, the Caribou took several deep breaths and looked to the skies in fear.

"What were those flying...demons?" one asked, shaking with nerves.

"I don't know...I don't think even King Dainn knows…" another said.

The Caribou were so paralyzed with fear, that the US Army troops that soon arrived to capture them found no resistance.

Whether it was due to the element of surprise or the P-47s, nobody could tell for sure.

====

As the survivors of the train attack were escorted to a rudimentary prison camp, Eisenhower took a jeep to Eden Field. After a drive that lasted a couple of minutes, he disembarked to see the dispatched P47s land on the runway.

"General!" Clark said, approaching to salute. "Target destroyed."

"Good work. Just so you know, we could see the explosion from here." Eisenhower smiled. "You've earned some rest, gentlemen. Keep it up."

As the Hawkeyes left for the barracks, smiling all the way, Twilight approached him and smiled.

"It seems the Caribou are telling the other prisoners of your "flying demons"." she said. "Should we stop them?"

"I don't think that's necessary." Eisenhower replied. "They can talk about it all they want. The Germans did back in the War, and they still ended up losing."

"I see." Twilight replied as they began the drive back to Ponyville. "What's next on the agenda?"

"I was going to ask that myself." Eisenhower smiled. "Driver, to the command center!"

====
Occupied Canterlot, Throne room
====

As Dainn sat on his throne, with Celestia and Luna kneeling before him, a messenger appeared, trembling.

"What is it?" he asked.

"The forces we sent to Ponyville have been...defeated." the messenger said. "The train was attacked from the skies."

"Oh?" Dainn asked, his anger momentarily sated. "Tell me what you know."

"Those who escaped told us flying demons came from the skies, and cut our forces down. They moved and killed so fast, the survivors gave no resistance."

"I see." Dainn replied. "Bring my generals here. I have need of their advice."

As the messenger bowed and left, Dainn smiled as he turned to the window, standing up from his throne. As he leaned on the windowsill, he eyed the setting sun in the distance.

"This war has only just begun, humans." he growled in quiet fury. "Soon, you will know my wrath."

As he swept his cape aside and exited the throne room, Celestia and Luna made sure he was out of earshot before speaking.

"I hope these humans will come soon." Luna gasped. "I cannot stand much more of this torture."

"Stay strong, sister." Celestia replied. "We will be free one day and Dainn will be crushed. We must hold out until that day comes."

Author's Notes:

Update!