Drama and Tragedy lie ahead for our heroes as they go on the journey known as...

October Hike (part 1)

At Kadic, the grade 7 kids stood outside the school, waiting to board the bus for the annual October Hike. Ulrich, Jeremie, Aelita, Elizabeth and Odd made sure to get the seats in the back for themselves. As they sat and watched Jim packing the bags in they talked about the trip.
"Exactly where are we going?" Elizabeth asked, sitting next to Odd while holding his hand. "It's just a little way out of the city" Jeremie said.
"It's part of the school's Geography studies. We'll be staying in a lodge for 4 days while going on trips up to the mountain close by to study natural rock formations"
"But doesn't it get very cold up there?" Elizabeth asked.
"That's why I'm here" Odd said, putting his arm around her.
"Seriously though" Elizabeth said, blushing slightly as she moved closer to Odd, "How cold is it?"
"Remember the paper they gave you with information?" Jeremie said.
"Yes?"
"Remember it said to bring along at least 2 jackets and long pants?"
"Yes?"
"It should actually be 3 or 4. Especially when it starts snowing"

The trip up to the lodge was slightly uneventful. Ulrich had to keep on dodging both Sissi's advances and Odd's teasing.
"Don't worry Ulrich, I'm sure Yumi won't forget you. I mean, she does have that picture of you with her all the time"

Ulrich blushed and glared at him.

"Shut up Odd!" he muttered, looking around to see if anyone had heard him.
"Oh no!" he moaned as he saw Sissi heading towards him yet again.
"Jeremie, I heard some of the kids talk about having a 'snow fight' while we're up here. Is it fun?" Aelita asked, sitting with her hand in Jeremie's.
"Is it ever!" Odd said before Jeremie could reply, "Just wait and see!"

"Ok kids, grab your gear and move into the lodge. Like the dorms it boys and girls separate, so don't let me catch anyone somewhere they're not suppose to be, or else!" Jim said, eying the kids in his usual manner.
Odd, Jeremie and Ulrich headed up the stairs towards their room while Aelita and Elizabeth headed up to theirs.

Around evening time all of them met up again in the mess hall, hungry and exited.

Fresh snow could be seen falling past the windows, and there was a buzz of excitement amongst the kids.
"Cool, just what we need!" Odd said, sitting down at their table.
He picked up his knife and fork and started wolfing down his meal.
" 'Hello Elizabeth, how are you?' Fine Odd, and you?" Elizabeth teased, poking Odd with her fork.
"Mmf mm mmfm" Odd moaned.
The gang laughed, but as Ulrich looked out of the window at the mountain he felt a sense of looming danger, as though something was waiting for them up there.

"Ok, is everyone ready?" the mountain guide asked, standing in front of the kids with Jim and their teacher on the one side.
After a chorus of "yes" he continued.
"Right. Now remember: we're going to go up to the base of the mountain to show you the caves near there. Make sure now, before we go, that your wearing enough protective wear."
A few minutes later they were off, heading out into the great white open.

"Man, does it have to be so cold up here?" Odd moaned, his noes a bright red.
"Uh, see the snow?" Ulrich said. "Ha Ha" Odd replied.
"Oh, poor Odd" Elizabeth cooed, hugging him close to her.
"Hmm, that's better" Odd said. "And now?" she asked, kissing him on the lips.
"Now we're getting there!" Odd grinned.
"Hey Ulrich, is everything ok?" Aelita asked as they walked on.
"What?"
"You seem distracted. Is something wrong?"
"No, I- Actually, I'm worried. I keep getting this feeling something wrongs going to happen"
"Ah, you worry to much" Odd said, still arm in arm with Elizabeth.
Suddenly a commotion them made them look up in time to see Jim running towards two boys. "Hey you two! What are you do-?"
With a whoosh the firework the two boys had been lighting went off, a large red fireball trailing sparks upwards. With a boom it went off, exploding against the mountain wall.
Everyone stared in horror as the whole section broke off and started to fall down towards them. "Avalanche!"

Everyone started to run left and right in panic as the massive white rush of ice rushed towards them. "Quick! Everyone head towards the cabins! Their in the lee of the mountain, out of the way!" The guide shouted, steering the kids towards safety.
Jeremie, Odd, Ulrich, Aelita and Elizabeth ran for their lives. They ran past the caves towards the cabins when suddenly Elizabeth stumbled and fell.
"Odd!"
"Elizabeth!" Odd cried out, running back towards her. "Odd, NO!" Ulrich shouted.
Ulrich tried to grab him and missed. He tried to run after him when Jim grabbed him. "No, it's too late" Jim said, holding him tight. Ulrich struggled hard, watching helplessly as the river of white death surged down and swallowed his two friends.