Sharp amber eyes looked down at his own dark gray fur, like the storm clouds he'd been named after. Yes, it was his father's pelt too, but this time, it was being compared to a different cat instead.

Looking up, Stormpaw couldn't help but notice that Stonefur's gray pelt was only a shade darker. Almost like he could be my dad... Stormpaw thought, and, for once, didn't regret it. Graystripe had chosen ThunderClan over them, why couldn't Stormpaw choose Stonefur over him? The apprentice's eyes couldn't help but notice the way the deputy's thick muscles rippled with power as he stalked silently through the brush. I want to be that strong someday!

Stonefur flicked his tail and the two stopped. Several fox-lengths in front of them, a squirrel was crouched down, nibbling delicately on a seed. Its dark eyes flicked back and forth warily, but didn't rest on them. With another flick of his tail, Stonefur told Stormpaw to go for the rodent. Bunching his young muscles together, the apprentice wriggled his rear in anticipation and leapt forward.

He landed nowhere near his mark. The squirrel was up the nearest tree in a flash of gray, leaving the half-eaten seed where it had just sat.

"Bad luck," Stonefur said, coming over. He was trying to hide a smile, but Stormpaw could tell he was amused. "Next time, stalk towards it a little more." He paused. "What stalk do you use to hunt squirrels, Stormpaw?"

Eagerly, Stormpaw exclaimed, "This one!" and dropped into a crouch to demonstrate. However, he noticed Stonefur's frown quickly and blushed beneath his fur. That obviously wasn't the right one...

"Go like this," Stonefur instructed patiently. He took a few silent, but powerful, steps before holding the position. Stormpaw, standing at his side, mirrored the pose.

Yeah, I want to be just like him!