Author: Kelral Orlyana

Title: Reunion

Category: Stargate SG1 x Red Dead Redemption

Rating: Currently a T… may change as story progresses.

Pairing: None

Spoilers: The Tok'ra (Part 1 and 2) but very little of Red Dead Redemption will be revealed (perhaps a few characters but nothing more...)

Warning: Contains angst, mild battle scenes and mentions abuse and cruelty…though it is very mild.

Disclaimer: I do not own Stargate SG1 or Red Dead Redemption and make no profit posting this story.

Italics represent symbiote and host communication.

Chapter 5: Tuition

He strode around the fenced area, preparing the horse for what was to follow. People gathered against the fence to watch as he finally bought the palomino colt into a canter, they cantered around the area once more before he turned the animal to the first fence. The colt nibbled at the bit, eager to gallop but Kirinian held him back as they strode to the first fence. Kirinian watched the colt staring at the fence and realised that he would have to watch the animal, the bigger the fences the more nervous the large animal could become. He kept firm control of the reins and kept the horse's nose under his control as they got closer and closer to the fence. As he got close enough he allowed the horse to jump, he leaned forward to give the horse more neck to lunge across the fence. The animal flew over the fence and he leaned back and gently collected the horse's head, the colt gathered his hooves and cantered away from the jump.

Well done. Cordesh congratulated but Kirinian had no time to reply to the parasite, that jump had been a medium sized fence, now he had to deal with the big one. The fence, made up of hay bundles was a head taller than a human man, Kirinian knew the colt could easily jump it; the question was, would he?

The horse snorted nervously at the large wall of hay but Kirinian held his head and kept him steady. He felt the hooves lose a beat beneath him and quickly compensated, he did not allow the colt to slow down or hesitate, the horse reluctant but eager to please snorted and finally focused. As the horse jumped Kirinian held his breath, he did not know how high he was above the hay bundles but by the awed muttering of the ranch staff it was pretty high. The horse landed easily and flicked its tail as if to say 'ha! No problem!'. Kirinian pats its neck and slowed the horse to a light trot. He allowed the horse to work off the excess energy before he finally bought it to a halt next to Bonnie.

"That was amazing!" Bonnie breathed. "Just to think, a year and you've already got that horse jumping those large fences."

"It's easier than you think." Kirinian replied. "It is all about having the trust of the animal, besides Firnan is made to jump, he wants to do it, he just doesn't know it yet. Now he's got a taste for jumping he should be more eager to do more, but I'll think I'll call it a day now."

"Yes, I'm sure he could use a rest." Bonnie agreed as she glanced at the heavily breathing colt beneath him.

"Yes, he needs to recover and relax, he needs to know this activity is good and the best way to do that is to reward him." Kirinian replied. "I'll give him a good brush down and feed. Bonnie, could I borrow one of your horses? I wish to ride into town this afternoon and since my last horse is now aged and lame…"

"Of course. Help yourself to anyone of the animals in the corral." Bonnie replied.

"Thank you." Kirinian replied before turning and walking Firnan over to the stables. The palomino colt obediently entered the stable after Kirinian dismounted and ground his hoof in his impatience for attention.

Are you going to continue to ignore me?

Ignoring you isn't possible. Kirinian answered. But I cannot focus on you and the horse, you should know by now that if the rider is distracted the horse will try to take liberties.

Of course, but you can talk now.

And…what would you like to talk about? Kirinian replied annoyed as he removed Firnan's tack and gently cleaned the colt.

Well…I'd like to know why you never told me about your love for riding.

Ha! As if you care. Kirinian replied. Don't worry your little parasitic head off, I'll get enough money to travel to Egypt, just don't interfere.

I know you'll get enough money, I don't doubt it. I just want to talk to you, like we used to before…

Before you turned on me? Kirinian snapped. And I learned your true feelings.

I told you I had to…

I know! I know! But I can feel what you feel…remember! I felt the truth in those words! I felt the anger!

You felt how I felt? Cordesh stated quietly, Kirinian startled and froze in fear. You felt what I wanted you to feel. This is what I truly felt.

***Flashback***

He had no choice. He could not afford for it to happen! To think Alisa had been the traitor! The one who had betrayed him and his kin! She had called the Goa'uld and framed him! How could he have known the human would follow him and find him holding the fake Goa'uld communication orb! How had she known the human would follow him?!

He had no time to waste and no one would miss him especially after what he was about to do. He could feel his host's cold hearted joy at his fear and he held back a sob, he could not tell his host how much he loved him, he could not tell the man how much of his words had been lies. It was too late for forgiveness and he could not allow the telepath to catch on to his plans, it was safer for him and safer for Kirinian this way.

Alisa looked up at him with startled dark eyes, realisation flashed in her gaze but it did not matter she would not live to tell. He felt his host's horror as he jumped from Kirinian into Elizabeth, Kirinian could do nothing but watch as he tore into her throat and ripped Alisa to shreds. The fear of the new host was palpable but there was also relief, Elizabeth had hated Alisa as much as Kirinian had hated him, the only difference between him and Alisa was the fact he had regretted his actions.

Forgive me. He told Elizabeth as he took control and turned to glare at Kirinian, he meant only to fear the host into being quiet but the expression on Kirinian's face showed that he was already scared. His face would remain etched in Cordesh's memory, the fear…the horror it had almost been too much for Cordesh to bare. Had he known…oh Egeria! He wished he had known…he was supposed to know Kirinian better than anyone! How could he not have known what Kirinian would do next!

The news of Kirinian's suicide killed him, he had nothing left to live for. If only…

He had gathered his shattered heart, focused on his duty. He intended to take the Goa'uld communication orb to a vanishing tunnel. He intended to leave Elizabeth and lay protectively around the ball so the vanishing tunnel would take both him and it, but the humans had interfered again. The Goa'uld orb sealed his fate, he could not speak the truth for the telepathic spy was still hidden among the Tok'ra. He did what he had to. He pretended to be Goa'uld even as his heart called for Kirinian.

When the Tok'ra went to remove him, he went willingly. He did not fear death. He apologised to Elizabeth before being removed and placed in a vanishing tunnel. He slithered to the white wall and did not look back. He heard his last's hosts sobs before pain and then…peace.

But… Egeria had other plans for him. When he regained awareness he was sharing another's thoughts. Terror and horror was clear in his host's thoughts and he realised just who he was inside. The broken pleas broke his heart and he tried to speak to his beloved but nothing he said would convince Kirinian that he was honest and that he still loved the host. Whatever Egeria planned, it wasn't working out, Kirinian did not want to forgive him and he would not ask forgiveness, he deserved the hatred. Still…as willing as he was to kill himself to please his host, there was work to be done, he had to get one last traitor…the spy.

Forgive me Kirinian.

***End Flashback***

That is what I truly felt. Cordesh told his host before vanishing from Kirinian's mind. Kirinian could not answer, he did not know what to feel, what to say… could the memory be a trick? For the first time in a long time Kirinian did not completely hate Cordesh and he was unsure what to do. For the first time ever he wanted to speak to Cordesh and yet at the same time he feared the conversation that would no doubt follow this realisation.

A/N: It is not just the horse who learnt something new in this chapter...