A thousand years ago there was a young man named Ryoma Echizen. He was the greatest wizard in all the world at the time, and was well known for being so great at such a young age. E is the son of Nanjiro Echizen, a wizard more powerful than him (Ryoma).

But because Ryoma was so great, he had made a lot of enemies. So one day all of his enemies collided and made the plan to take out Ryoma. But they couldn't succeed if they went about it the way they usually did. They had to be smart.

They first captured Nanako, a young healer in training, and Ryoma's cousin. With that they lured in Rinko, a well known healer who was teaching Nanako the art of healing. When the darkness had the two they lured in Nanjiro and at that point separated him and his powers with the Stone of Separation, and locked his powers within the stone.

When all three of his family members were taken Ryoma went after them, knowing it was a trap, but being his cocky self thought he could handle it. He was wrong.

They told Ryoma to give up or they would kill his family one by one in front of him, and even if he would save one of them, the others wouldn't survive. The young man, seeing no way out of his dilemma without hurting his loved ones, gave himself up.

They powers of darkness then consumed him and his memories were scattered into pieces and lost within the Forest of Life. When they finished Ryoma they then trapped Nanako, Rinko, and Nanjiro in the dimension of darkness, where they wont age, wont die, and wont escape.

No one knew how Ryoma Echizen could have been defeated, but the darkness had consumed the South after the fall of Ryoma Echizen and his family. But they knew Ryoma was alive and the reaon was, Karupin.

Karupin was Ryoma's trusted friend and Karupin would not die until her master was gone. And since Karupin was alive, so was Ryoma.

A thousand years later new generations have risen. Stronger mages, healer, wizards, warlocks, swordsman. And some even reached Ryoma Echizen's level, yet not even close to Nanjiro's.

Many brave swordsman, mages, and wizards have attempted to awaken Ryoma from the Forest of Life, but they have all failed, and some were even scarred after the adventure. But Ryuuzaki, the leader of the West, called together a group of young men that she believed could free Ryoma from the curse.

"What have you called me here for, Madam Ryuuzaki?" Tezuka Kunimitsu asked. His face expressionless as ever.

"I have called you in to ask you of a favor." Ryuuzaki said from her throne. Her granddaughter shuffling uneasily next to her. She isn't fit to run a kingdom yet. Her friend smiling confidently next to the girl seemed more capable of running an empire then the girl with royal blood.

"What is it then?" Ryuuzaki smirked.

"I have called for you to go on an adventure, to retrieve the one named Ryoma Echizen."

Tezuka's eyes widened a small fraction, and became sharper.

"What you ask of is impossible."

"Not impossible. Just seemingly impossible. The other brave warriors who have gone into that forest were not prepared for what is in there. But I believe you, and the others, are."

"Others?"

Ryuuzaki's smirk turned into a wide grin. From the sides of the throne room seven door opened to reveal seven people standing there.

The first person Tezuka noticed was Oishi Shuichiro a well known healer all over the magical world. Known for his medicines, magical healing ability, and his mother hen attitude.

The second was Fuji Syuusuke a genius mage who can control more than one element, and occasionally surprise even those that think they know him well enough. He was also well known for his sadistic side.

Next was the one and only Kawamura Takashi, the best chef in all the land, and very well known for going full out with his power when holding a sword.

The next two were Kaidoh Kaoru and Momoshiro Takeshi the two well known swordsmen, as well as warriors from far wide. The two would always compete for the top title but it would occasionally be difficult since the two were mostly very alike, which results in many fights from them both.

Then there Eiji Kikumaru known for getting out of the tightest spots, mostly because of his flexibility and acrobatic skills. His catlike reflexes and sharp eyes see allow him to feel and see things differently then most people.

And then there was Inui Sadaharu. Legendary mad scientist, known for his potions that are supposedly "healthy" but can make the most brave men cower at the sight of the substances he creates.

"Why are they all here?" Tezuka eyed Ryuuzaki.

"Because, you have all been chosen to go out and find Ryoma Echizen, you are probably the only one's capable."

"How do you know we are?" Kawamura asked.

"Because your ancestors knew Ryoma Echizen, and they were all connected in some way. You all are probably the only one's who can do this, but it is of course your choice, so take your time and think upon this."

The group nodded, bowed, and left without a word. When they reached the steps of the palace they sat down and thought.

"I think we should do it." Fuji, the ever smiling mage, said.

"Why?" Eiji asked.

"Saa… it might be fun."

"But its also dangerous," Oishi, ever the worrier, commented."

"Then I'm in! Don't worry I'll protect you guys!" Momoshiro, or Momo, exclaimed standing. Kaidoh hissed.

"Sit down stupid. And I'm in." Kaidoh, the "Viper", said.

"What was the Viper, do you wanna fight?" Momo balled Kaidoh's shirt in his fist. Kaidoh hissed once again.

"Bring it on, Peach!" Kaidoh and Momo brought up their fists.

"Enough!" The two immediately stopped and turned to Tezuka. "Now, who is willing to go on this adventure? It will be dangerous, it may be long, and it will be difficult, there is no doubt about that, so whoever wants to go or not speak up now."

They stayed quiet for a while.

"You know," Kawamura spoke first. "Echizen Ryoma was very powerful and I know he was connected to out ancestors because my father would tell me the stories of how Echizen saved my grandfather many years ago. So I feel as though owe it to him, he did so much for us, we should help him this time."

"That's true…" Inui whispered. "All of the people who tried to free Echizen wanted to prove their bravery, none of them wanted to help Echizen because of the good he's done, but because they wanted fame. And none of them ever succeeded."

"But we aren't looking for fame." Oishi pointed out.

"We just want to help Ochibi." Eiji grinned. The rest of the group gave him a blank stare. "Oh sorry, I heard my ancestors called him that because he was so short."

"It fits." Fuji chuckled. "I say we go."

"I agree with Fujiko!" Eiji exclaimed. Fuji gave him a confused look. "Sorry it just came out." Fuji chuckled.

"That's alright." Fuji's smile back into place.

"Alright so its decided. We go." Tezuka said and each one of the group members nodded.

"Lets tell Ryuuzaki." Momo got up from his seat and started for the castle, the others following behind him.

"So you've decided?" Ryuuzaki looked over the eight brave souls in front of her.

"Yes." They chorused.

"Very well. Rest today, your journey will begin tomorrow. Be prepared."

The eight went off into the rooms that were given to them by Ryuuzaki and got into bed, each one fell into a deep slumber their final thought was;

'This'll be interesting…'