Discussion had been alive and thriving, some readily adding their concerns to the growing pool of ideas while others took the situation in stride and passed through to the other side of the doors. Though it couldn't be told by his expressionless face, the communication he'd spurred took him by surprise, and when the Gembound that'd provided him with light during the search once more swam close, their own ideas in tow, a sort of satisfaction settled inside his bones. It started a spark of warmth that was doused in barely the space of time an eye could blink.

For the entire talk, he hadn't caught any new disturbances. Perhaps the fault lay with him, attention split between the others and what might exist besides that creature they'd met in the chamber ahead. Regardless, water rushed, at first in the darkness and then against his skull. His throat clenched. Words rose to mind but did not broadcast, intent cut off by the incoming shockwaves. Middle of the pack, not yet gone beyond the door, the impact might not have been as terrible as for those already entered. Still, hit square in the chest by such force, Fahl could scarcely believe he continued to breathe.

Recovering, his first audible thought encapsulated the entire experience: 'Shit.'

Already claws reached to pry at his armband, pinching what should have been the dark pouch and dragging out it out from the metal that held it in place. As he opened the leaves to access its contents, his orders to the bridle-wearing partner flew fast and heavy. 'We can't do the most damage, but quick cuts should still hurt. Here.' One paw having scooped a portion of the gel balls within, the pouch was offered with the other, in case Garnet-Epsilon needed it. 'I'll try a quick swim by. See if I can pack wounds with this.' Whether taken of or not, the pouch was closed up and hastily shoved beneath the armband again. 'Either of us is hurt badly, fall back and regroup.'

Legs kicking back, Fahl thrust himself into the opening as well as the fray. All his claws were prepared to shred flesh except for one—a front set held a mixture of black and pink gel balls, designated for extra offense.