Disclaimer: Not mine
Notes: Spoilers for roughly the first half of the season, quasi-character death-- it's hard to explain, but I promise you that Max and Danny do not die!
Despite the grievous wound to his head, Bison was very aware of what was happening. He was aware of Animus falling, of having to seal his own teammate away before Zen-Aku could harm more people. He was aware that the Princess had been whisked to safety, so that at least one small piece of their civilization might endure. He was aware that he had just seen Lion and Tiger being killed by an Org that had just been too strong for them, of Eagle being shot down from the sky and never getting back up. And he was very aware that Shark had been dragged away by those-- those things that served the Orgs during their final battle. He had no idea where he was now.
Bison was also aware that he probably wasn't long for this world. He just didn't care anymore.
All he cared about now was Shark.
Because if Shark was alive, he still had a reason to live. They could rebuild their city together-- it would be difficult, and they would mourn their teammates for the rest of their lives, but they could do it. But he needed Shark for it to be possible.
As long as he had Shark by his side, he would never give up.
Bison stumbled a step, trying to fight off a wave of sudden dizziness-- but that was forgotten the second he spotted Shark. He ran up to Shark, lying still on the ground, but there was still hope, Shark was the embodiment of hope as far as Bison was concerned, he'd already lost four of his friends, fate wouldn't be cruel enough to take Shark too, he was still there, he was…
Gone. Judging from how cold the body was, Shark had been dead for hours.
His remaining strength gone, Bison collapsed next to Shark. He wanted to cry for him, more than anything… but he couldn't. It was as if some part of him had already accepted this. Was ready to move on.
Ready to be where Shark was now.
He knew Shark wouldn't feel it, but Bison took his hand anyways. It was almost like those lazy afternoons they would spend together before the Orgs attacked, nothing to do but watch the clouds pass by… expect Shark wasn't going to sit up, yawning before leaning down to steal a kiss.
"I wish you could see this, Shark," Bison murmured, eyes fixed on the clouds. "We did it. We defeated the Orgs." It hurt, but he turned over, tracing the outing of Shark's still face with his blood-stained fingers. "But I'll be with you soon. Wherever you are now, I will follow you, like I always have before." Bison summoned what was left of his strength, kissing Shark gently. "Because I love you." And with that final promise, Bison was finally able to let go… to go where Shark was…
Except he couldn't find him. He kept looking, but it was never him, and he needed to find him, he'd promised he'd be there, and he needed him, and--
"Danny." Max's voice was thick with sleep-- and irritation. "Why is your hand on my face?"
Danny blinked at Max, not sure of anything-- and then reality came back. "Oh, sorry," he whispered as he removed said appendage from Max. "I think I was having a bad dream."
"Oh." Max's face softened. "Are you gonna be okay?"
Danny smiled, curling into Max. Whatever the dream had been about, he was already beginning to forget it. "I think so. See you in the morning." As long as he had Max nearby, he had nothing to worry about.