The sound of the metal bending, Syd's breathing, even the gentle murmur of the slightly disturbed water all seemed amplified. They were louder to Eva than if she had been a bystander. Even still, it was all also background noise - a strange contradiction. The only thought that went through her conscious mind was concentrating on completing the fusion. If she stopped too soon, she wouldn't have the energy to begin it again and her pain would be for naught, and Syd could be in real trouble.
The throbbing of Eva's headache grew stronger, the waves crashing down on her closer together. But she never winced, never even blinked, though her face grew ashen and her hair matted against her face and neck with sweat. It really was a short time - under two minutes - but when Eva saw the glistening of moisture on Syd's skin, she knew the procedure was done, and she dropped her control of the water particles, letting them dissipate into humidity in the room. For the briefest of seconds, her vision faded and then blackened as she slumped back. It was only for a moment, and she groaned, stirring and touching her head. Everything hurt.