Aquatic Soul
Chapter 1: Logging In

Disclaimer: I do not own Log Horizon or any of the characters involved except Guardian W. Water

Naotsugu grunted as he set his pack down. He stood, wiping the sweat from his brow as he overlooked the campsite.

"This'll work for now," he said.

The others followed his example as they set their possessions down and dropped to the ground to rest.

"Fifteen-minute break everyone, then we'll set up camp!" He called.

There was a groan of exasperation from the others, but he ignored them as he saw Marielle approaching him.

"Are you sure it's a good idea to be pushing them so hard before we've even started?" She asked.

Naotsugu shrugged, "We're here to teach them how to fight and get good at the game. If we go easy on them we won't be doing them any favors."

She sighed, but nodded agreement, "You're right…"

Naotsugu went to reply but stopped as he saw movement rustling some of the nearby bushes. He grabbed his sword from its sheath on his bag before stepping past Marielle to put himself between her and the movement. Some of the others had noticed it too and were cautiously approaching the sound.

"If you understand me, show yourself!" Naotsugu called.

"Wait! Wait! I'm not a threat!" A voice called back, it sounded like a young woman.

The group relaxed after a few seconds as a figure emerged to match it; she was carrying a katana on her hip and wore a blue gi, and her long, matching hair was styled up in a messy wolf's tail.

"Who are you?" Natosugu asked, "There wasn't supposed to be anyone out here."

"Guardian W. Water, at your service," she said with a bow from the waist.

"Water? Your name is Water?" he asked.

She nodded, "And I take it you're the group I've heard about. The one training new players?"

Naotsugu and Marielle exchanged a look, "How do you know about that?" Marielle asked.

"Oh, word travels fast y'know? Besides, you can see my level isn't very high. So I came to ask for some help!"

Water grinned as she put her hands behind her head. Naotsugu examined her stats screen and saw she was only level 42.

"She's not wrong," he said after he finished his examination.

"Well, in that case, welcome to the camp!" Marielle told her with a smile.

Water gave another bow as thanks before Naotsugu pointed to a group of younger players at the edge of the camp, "You can join Touya's group. Tell him I sent you and he won't give you any trouble."

Water nodded before setting off. Naotsugu and Marielle watched her go, and after she was out of earshot he spoke.

"You felt it too right?"

Marielle nodded, "Something's not right about her."

"We'll have to keep an eye on her."

Meanwhile, with Touya's group.

The group of five children sighed as they settled around a campfire Touya had made. They were dozing off when Touya opened his eyes and saw Water standing just outside the firelight.

"Who are you?" he asked.

"My name is Guardian W. Water. I was sent here by Naotsugu to join your group."

The others had stirred as the two began talking, now they all looked at each other in confusion.

"Well, if Naotsugu sent you, then welcome to the team," Touya said, standing and offering a hand.

Water stepped forward and clapped it firmly. The two shook, and then Touya resumed his seat around the fire. The rest of the group went around the circle, introducing themselves. As they finished Water smiled before dropping to the ground herself, drawing her katana so she did not sit on it.

"So, you're a Samurai too huh?" Touya asked.

"Yeah, kind of…" Water said with an awkward smile.

"Kind of?" Minori asked, tilting her head.

"Well, I also have a weird subclass I picked up a long time ago that I've yet to replace."

The others looked at each other, but Rudy spoke up, "Well it can't be as glorious as my class surely?"

Water looked to him, then back to the others. Then she held out a hand, palm up, as a ball of water appeared, floating above her palm. She let it disperse, showering the grass around her with a small sprinkle.

"That's certainly different. I've never heard of a class that lets you do that," Touya said.

"Granted we're still new, so it's probably not too surprising," Minori told him.

"Fair point. Well, we'll have to see what you're capable of tomorrow when we go into the dungeon!"

"Dungeon?" Water asked.

"Yeah, that's why we're here. There's a dungeon nearby that's great for new players. It's full of monsters and the teachers say it can be a real challenge for teams that don't work well together," Touya explained.

"In that case, I imagine you've all been working together for a while then?" Water asked.

The group each shook their heads, "No. We got teamed up together because we were the only ones around each other's level," Minor told her.

Water looked at each of their stats screens and realized that they were all around her level, "I guess that's why Naotsugu grouped me with you."

"Makes sense."

The group went silent as they stared into the fire for a few minutes before each of them began to get up and head to their tents to sleep. Water sighed as she was left sitting alone by the campfire.

"Well, this isn't too bad of a start. At least no one's suspicious of me yet," she whispered to herself.

"I wouldn't be so sure of that," Naotsugu said from directly behind her.

She spun around, drawing her katana in the same motion, but Naotsugu stopped it by pinching the blade between his fingers.

"Hold on there, I'm not here to hurt you. But I do have some questions for you."

Water relaxed as she recognized him, then sheathed her sword after he let go.

"Whatever I can answer, I'll do my best."

Naotsugu nodded before walking past her and taking a seat by the fire.

"First off, tell me why you're really here."