First Stance

My joints clicked. Tension flared along my arms. I took a breath and planted my left boot firmly against the wood floor. Right in front of me stood a bulky blue-and-gold titan with both fists raised. He didn't budge. I tested my balance, dropped into a crisp defensive crouch, and gently tapped the knuckle of his golden gauntlet with my glove. Just cold, still plastic. No counterattack came. I nodded sharply, holding my ground and staying ready.