What's Lost Can Be Found (a War Horse fic)

I thought I lost you
When you ran away to try to find me
I thought I'd never see your sweet face again
I turned around and you were gone
And on and on the days went
But I kept the moments that we were in
And I hoped in my heart
You'd come back to me my friend

Joey felt Albert's gentle yet aged hand stroke his neck.

"It's okay, Joey," Albert whispered to him, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "It's all okay."

Joey nickered softly, trying to force himself to his feet, but Albert stopped him, guiding him back down. He didn't understand why this was happening. He had never felt like this before. He'd never felt so tired. He didn't like it. It scared him. Looking up at Albert he tried to tell his friend that. Albert seemed to understand. Albert always understood.

"I know you're scared," Albert said as he stroked Joey's neck, offering comfort to his oldest and dearest friend. After all these years he still couldn't believe this was it. This was goodbye. "I'm scared too. I don't want to lose you, Joey, but this…it…it ain't forever. I'll be along one day. I'll find you, Joey. I promise."

Joey let out a soft sound. Albert had promised that before. And Albert had found him. Against all odds his Albert had found him. He lifted his head and bumped Albert's chest, telling his friend that he knew they'd find each other again. No matter where they went, or the distance that separated them, they would always find each other.

Tears rolled down Albert's cheek as Joey laid his head down, too tired to hold it up any longer.

"I love you, Joey," Albert whispered as he slipped off the stool he had been sitting on so he could sit on the barn floor, gently pulling Joey's head into his lap. "I'll always love you. Now…Now you just rest. It'll…It'll be okay…I promise."

Joey nickered again, somehow softer than before, and his eyes closed. The last thing he was aware of before the darkness wrapped around him was that Albert's hand never stopped stroking his neck.

When Joey woke the first thing he saw were strong black legs. Looking up from where he lay he let out a joyful sound when he found Topthorn standing watch over him. His dear friend snorted, head lowering so the black horse could bump noses with him. They rubbed noses, nickering softly and happily. He heard a sound and turned his head, watching the approach of people he hadn't seen in so long.

Emilie with her bright and happy smile. Her grandfather with his kind and caring eyes. Captain Nicholls with his warm laughter.

Leaping to his feet, Joey raced towards those whom he considered his greatest friends. Topthorn ran beside him, snorting and throwing his head, just as he had that day in the charge. Joey whinnied as he came to a halt a few feet from the humans, rearing up to paw at the sky. Emilie and Nicholls laughed and Emilie's grandfather just smiled.

Joey knew he may have to wait a long time until he could watch Albert approach over one of the distant hills, but at least he would not be waiting alone. He had found friends whom had once been lost. Just as he knew Albert would find him.

They would always find each other.