A Solid Stance

My joints snapped loose with a quiet pop. I pressed my boots down against the smooth desk mat, testing my balance under the soft cyan glow. Right in front of me stood a spiky yellow figure frozen in a fighting pose. I took a step forward, raised one fist, and tapped its outstretched white glove. It didn't budge at all. It looks tough! I settled into my stance right beside the book, ready whenever it makes a move.