First Stance

A sudden pulse locks into my frame. Weight. Real tension. I evaluate the perimeter: flat, pale floorboards beneath my boots, stable enough for competition. Across from me stand two unmoving figures locked in position. Standard standoff. I rotate my right wrist, testing the resistance until the joint responds with precise control. I shift my weight forward half an inch and press my taped knuckles against the blue armor of the figure beside me. Solid. No reaction. The ring is clear. I hold the center of the floor, balanced and fully operational.