Quiet, the townspeople of Amity Park slumbered with no intention of getting up, not even at 2am to get a drink of water, or check e-mails.
Up above, dodging the mist that settled like a comforting blanket above the town, Danny Phantom swooped and soared, playing with the tendrils of cloud that teased him, for once not having to worry about fighting any ghosts. Happy to just enjoy the silence and the chance to really, truly, fly.
Pausing for a moment, hovering above his house, wondering whether he should go to bed before the test tomorrow, a slight whisper of blue escaped his mouth, and he sighed, knowing that his peace was going to be interrupted.
However, not in the way he expected. Appearing next to him, clapping, were four ghosts, all in flight-suits.
The ages shocked him as well, although one was obviously old and grey-haired, another was in his mid-twenties, and the two others ... they looked to be only 13 / 14, barely old enough to die.
"That was an impressive display of flying young man", spoke the oldest, in a manner that suggested he knew what he was talking about, "though tightening up the turns would increase your overall flight."
"Why Sir?" asked one of the girls.
"Because then he'll build up enough speed to avoid the clouds and ground", smiled the youngest man, in a teacher-like fashion.
"Erm, thanks guys, but who are you?" asked a bemused Danny.
The four looked at each other.
"We died a couple of days ago in a flying accident, but we stayed to make sure someone kept on flying", spoke the youngest man, arms held in a way that let the light glint off a squadron badge velcroed to the upper arm of the flight suit.
"And now we found you!" cried the girl who had not spoken yet.
"Come on! We'll miss our flight!"
With that, they stepped back, saluted Danny and left, soaring into the open night sky.
Danny floated there, before realising who they were, having seen the news.
With a tear in his eye, he saluted, and then zoomed off to give the best display of flying he could, in honour of them.
-x-x-x-x-
In Memoriam of the Air Cadets and pilots who died on Wednesday.