First Stance

My joints clicked. I blinked, and the cool wood floor pressed right against my boots. Right in front of me, a massive dark ape figure was frozen in a forward crouch, fists ready. Instinct kicked in before I even thought about it—I rolled my shoulders back, planted my feet firmly, and tapped my knuckles together. The ape didn't flinch or strike back. I reached out and gently touched its rigid shoulder. Cold plastic, completely still. I broke into a grin. My limbs actually move on their own, and I'm ready for anything.