Author's Note: -freaks out- RECORD!!!! I updated two chapters in two days!!! And this is the longest chapter!! I know the title isn't very good... anyways, I was so in the mood for writing so I wrote this in record time! It's to make up for the previous chappie which was short and crappy because I didn't feel like writing... yay, I was quite pleased with this chapter and was surprised there was so much to be written about Stormfur... please do review and suggest more pairings!!

True Love

What is love? Why is it so hard to understand?

For me, love is a feeling that sends warmth to every part of your body, and it keeps you in a good mood all day. But however much I can define love; I still could not understand just what is love?

I understood fatherly and motherly love, and also love between siblings. That is why I couldn't let Feathertail go alone; it comes from having divided loyalties. I was always close to her, as kits, apprentices and finally warriors. The thought of my precious sister going into unknown danger alone sent fear through my heart. I had to protect her; it was as if I was born with that duty, and that I must fulfill it.

But I long to know the love shared between mates. Every day in RiverClan, I watch couples sharing tongues, purring in contentment. What exactly is the love they share? What kind of feeling is that?

I understood as soon as I met her, or as I assumed.

The young fiery apprentice had a unique characteristic, and I was instantly attracted to the annoying personality she possesses. I'm always happy when I'm with her, my troubles forgotten. Sometimes, when I see her with Brambleclaw, or more likely always with Brambeclaw, I felt a prickle of envy. I thought I had finally understood love. How wrong I can get.

I had made a mental note that if I think I love a cat, I must test myself. Am I willing to be with her forever? No.

Do I think about her every single moment? No.

Am I willing to be her mate, even though it was forbidden? Not really.

Am I willing to sacrifice for her? Yes, maybe…

In average, it points to the logic that I do not love her. Even though my moments with her were happy, I couldn't help but think, is this love?

I was even more desperate to know the answer when I notice how Crowpaw was attracted to Feathertail. Perhaps it was because I didn't understood love, and that my feeling towards Squirrelpaw wasn't that strong, but I was irritated by his affection towards my sister. What right does he have to love a warrior when he's merely an apprentice, especially a warrior like my sister?

Our journey ended after we got the message from Midnight, and until that point, I still hadn't fully understood love. That is, until I met Brook Where Small Fishes Swim.

She was totally the opposite of Squirrelpaw, gentle and kind. I wasn't attracted to her as I was to Squirrelpaw, but I kept having this weird feeling that I never felt before. It was a warm, happy feeling, like I had gotten the greatest gift in life. I couldn't shake it off, or ignore it. It's a nagging thought that wouldn't leave me alone.

Maybe it was because of this particular feeling that my heart shattered the moment I realized Brook's betrayal. She treated me well because I was a tool vital for her Tribe's survival. The shock of it all hit me like a thunder shock. Her look of sadness doesn't matter to me anymore; I know it was all an act. I am nothing but a tool.

And then I lost sibling love. Feathertail died in order to save Crowpaw. Again, her actions made me wonder what love is. If you love someone, would you really be willing to die for her? I made another mental note. If Squirrelpaw was in danger, would I be willing to save her? I would, but that goes for the rest of my friends too. That was when I realized, my affection towards her was only an attraction between opposite gender. It was nowhere near love.

I had to leave the Tribe, despite how I fit in really well. I should have felt only the sadness of parting with friends, and sadness about leaving Feathertail behind, but I felt a certain grief that settled deep in my heart, and make me choke. A force was pulling me back towards the Tribe and a gaping loneliness washed over me; loneliness because Feathertail is dead and loneliness because I will no longer have that happy feeling when I'm with the Tribe. When I'm with her.

Much as I try to ignore it, it was too real. I missed her. I should be joyful that we have completed the journey and that we were setting out to our new home, but I felt that I was missing something very important. I was so distracted that I didn't notice I was no longer attracted to Squirrelpaw, and that it doesn't matter who she is with.

Hope soared inside me as we took the route of the mountain. It almost felt as if I had returned home, where I really belong. I was overjoyed at seeing the Tribe, but I knew I was looking for a certain cat in particular.

Brook was exactly how I had left her; shining eyes, sleek pelt, and gentle nature. I noticed how I am used to remembering every single detail of the demure she-cat. As I greeted her eagerly, my loneliness vanished instantly, my heart lifted, and the feeling that I was missing something was forgotten. At that moment, I knew I can't bear the pain of leaving her a second time.

Realization hit me so suddenly I trembled. The realization that I was willing to leave RiverClan to be with brook… that the pain of leaving Brook was worse than the pain of leaving my Clan. Brook cannot leave to be with me, I must leave to be with her.

Leopardstar was more understanding than I had expected. I was allowed to stay with the Tribe and the spirit of Feathertail. Firestar made a wonderful speech that matches my feelings. We must all follow our hearts, and my heart lies with Brook.

Memories ran through my head as I remembered my life in RiverClan. Now all this is going to be over, I will not get to see their new home. Betrayal towards my Clan… I had failed Graystripe, wherever he was, and Silverstream in StarClan. However, Brook was there. Together, we will suffer hardships and enjoy good times.

Heart-broken as I was, I ran through my mental note.

Am I willing to be with her forever? Yes.

Do I think about her every single moment? Yes.

Am I willing to be her mate, even if it was forbidden? Yes.

Am I willing to sacrifice for her? Yes, I just did.

Emotions mixing with true joy inside me, I purred silently and added a new question.

Is this love?

Yes.

A/N: Actually... Stormfur sounds rather mushy, but I thought that fits him really well... I'll be grateful if you review... -hands out Stormfur plushies to reviewers-