Disclaimer – I own nothing of War Horse. It belongs to its respected owner. 'Nuff said. I do, however, own the plot.

Italics are thoughts

A/N: After seeing the movie War Horse last night, I thought about how devoted Joey was to Albert and Topthorn, resulting in this story.

Summary: AU: Joey was devoted to two things – his owner, Albert, and his best friend, Topthorn. Rated T because I'm paranoid. One-Shot. Told from Joey's point of view.

Genre: Friendship/None

Rating: T

I whinnied in fright as I was taken away from Albert, the wonderful boy who trained and loved me.

"No matter where you are or what happens to you, I will find you." Albert promised me as I was led away from him.

"Sergeant, this horse is mine." The kind officer told the sergeant as we left the town. He was a kind man – the officer, not the sergeant.

He talked to me as he brushed me. I occasionally nickered or snorted in agreement.

That night, I moved my head back and forth sleepily. I wanted to be home with Albert and have him ride me.

That's when I heard a loud snort and turned my head to the right. His coat matched the darkness, so I had to let my eyes adjust.

Who're you?

I'm Joey. What's your name?

The name's Topthorn and I'm the best horse there is.

Really?

Yes, really. We better rest up – we have drills to do in the morning.

Drills?

Yes, to prepare us for battle. Are you really that daft?

Sorry – I didn't know.

There wasn't any noise after that – both of us needed our sleep.

The following morning, my rider and I galloped against Topthorn and the Sergeant. My rider and the sergeant shook hands while Topthorn and I nudged each other, as if to say 'good game old chap.'

I knew that Topthorn and I would be friends forever.

I whinnied loudly for Topthorn as the two of us headed out into the fray. I heard him whinny off to my left. I saw his rider go down and felt mine slip off my back – we had to get out of there and fast.

I took Topthorn's reins in my mouth and together, the two of us galloped away from all the noise.

We were now helping soldiers lug heavy metal cannons up a muddy hill. One of the horses in front had died from exhaustion and the commanding officer turned to the man handling Topthorn and I.

"Sir, you can't use these horses – Prince, the black one, has a bad leg and Felix, the brown, can't work." The man told the officer.

"You named them, did you? You should never name things you grow attached to." The officer said, leading me away from Topthorn. I whinnied loudly to my friend.

It'll be okay, I promise.

They quickly unharnessed me when my right front leg gave out. They sent in another horse and the man who had Topthorn took my reins in his and led us to safety.

Suddenly, Topthorn was on his side, his breathing labored. The man that held our reins was on the ground with Topthorn.

Joey, go on without me.

I can't – I'm devoted to you.

You must leave me and save yourself.

I can't.

Joey – look at me. Yes you can.

I love you, Topthorn – you're the bravest horse I know.

I love you, too Joey – I hope we'll meet again one day.

I nudged my dear friend one last time before our handler told me to run – the enemy was approaching.

There was nowhere for me to go, so I leapt over the tank and ran in the opposite direction, right into row after row of barbed wire.

I struggled to breathe as I heard two men talking in low voices. One was on England's side and one was on the French side. I didn't move – I was in so much pain.

"Joey? Is that you?" a soft voice asked. I pricked my ears forward as I saw Albert walk towards me, a bandage over his eyes.

"I told you I would come back for you." Albert told me as he stroked my mane.

I knew that we would finally be together forever.