It had been a couple of years since he had walked these halls, but he remembered every step like he had never left. The students looked different. He recognized about half of them and was fascinated by how in only a couple of years they had changed. They were more grown up.

The other half was young students. They looked like they had only just left their diapers behind for the cold, cruel world of high school. At least, it would be for many. Only some of them would come out on top.

He got a visitor's pass from the office. With the pass around his neck, he could roam anywhere he pleased. It was easy enough to get. He had chatted up the secretary. She remembered him. He claimed to be back to talk to some of his teachers – to thank them for helping him get to where he was.

He was really here to see if she was still around. If he was right, she was a junior. If she was still in Harwood County, she would be here.

-Megaforce-

Gia rolled her eyes. Why couldn't Mr. Burley see this coming? Noah and Emma, anytime they were in a class together, would always start a debate about which was better: technology or nature.

Neither ever won. The bell always interrupted them before they could come up with an argument to trump the other.

Science class was the place where most arguments occurred. Given Mr. Burley's questions at the start of class, he basically fueled the debate every morning. Then they would reoccur at random moments throughout the day. It was great for wasting time in class, but Gia did wish she could hear a proper lesson without it being condensed into the thirty seconds Mr. Burley had to speak after the bell rang signalling the end of class.

So she leaned over and whispered to Emma, "Just let Noah win this one."

"Technology is the reason nature's suffering. If we could just leave Earth well enough alone, we would all be fine."

"You're both just as bad as each other," Gia flipped her textbook to the next page and carried on with her studying by herself. The bell rang and Mr. Burley could barely make himself heard over the sound of students packing up to leave. Gia took Emma's books and refused to let the pink Ranger carry them herself.

"I'm fine, Gia."

"I'll take the books back to my locker. You can walk to class. I'll catch up to you, okay?"

"Fine. But don't be late!"

"When am I ever late?" Gia teased.

-Megaforce-

He had time. Classes were seventy five minutes each, just like they had been before, so he went down the street to grab a coffee and read the newspaper. The front cover photo proved what he already knew. She was in town. The picture was recent. He knew because she looked a little different; a little older. She was still very striking.

He returned back to the school just in time for classes to let out and he had five minutes to watch her. He was surprised when he saw her alone. Of course, the halls were full of students, but her friend was nowhere near.

He approached her and leaned against the lockers, hiding his face behind her open door.

"Miss me, babe?"

"Look, I'm going to say this as nicely as I can," Gia grabbed her books and slammed her locker shut, "You don't stand a chance with…"

The books fell out of her hands as she stared up at Cliff. He hadn't changed at all since she had last seen him. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and shrugged casually.

"I was thinking lunch. You can tell your friend whatever…"

"No," Gia shook her head and tried to leave but he grabbed her arm and squeezed tightly. Gia whimpered. "Fine…"

"I'll pick you up. Don't be late," he pulled Gia in a little closer and leaned in for a kiss. Gia turned away from him. He kissed her cheek then let her go and walked off down the hall like nothing had happened.

Gia knelt down and slowly started to collect her books, trying to hold in her tears. A hand reached out and picked up one of her books for her. When she looked to see who was helping, she saw Alex.

"Well, if you like a little force…"

Gia tried to snatch her book back but Alex pulled it away and grabbed her wrist. He tried to pull her in close but Gia let out a cry.

"Hey, hey, whoa!" Noah said as he raced over from behind Alex. He grabbed Gia's book and the soccer player got back to his feet. He looked down at Noah.

"This is private."

The bell rang and all students in the hall were officially late for class. Alex couldn't afford another note home so he had to leave and hope his teacher would be forgiving.

"You got lucky, nerd."

Noah rolled his eyes before handing the book over to Gia. She took it and Noah saw her hand was shaking.

"Are you okay?"

"Tell anyone what you saw and I'll rip your throat out," Gia growled at him. "Walk me to class."

"Uh…"

"Noah, please."

"Oh… okay… do you want to talk about all that?"

Gia shook her head and turned the corner. She stepped into the French class and was followed by Noah. He watched her take her usual seat beside Emma. Jake and Troy were behind the girls. When Noah sat down he heard something very unusual.

"My dad stopped by," it was a lie from Gia's mouth to Emma's ear. "He and mom are taking me out to lunch today."

"Really? Would they mind if I…"

"No."

"I'll pay my own way…"

"It's the steak house."

"Oh. Well, have fun."

"Yeah…"

Noah leaned over and whispered to Jake and Troy, "We defeat the monster and whatever spell they did breaks, right?"

"That's how it works," Troy nodded. "At least, that's what I've seen in my dreams."

Noah bit his lip nervously. Something was wrong. He leaned forward, "Gia…"

"Trachea, Noah. It's called the trachea."

Noah leaned back in his seat and crossed his arms over his chest. Something was very wrong.