A Heavy Stance

A sudden weight thrummed down along my spine. I was locked mid-stride in the dark, facing the red ape that pressed close against me. With a deliberate, grinding shift, I grounded both feet firmly onto the patterned weave of the carpet. A low vibration rattled in my throat. I swung my tail just an inch to the side, nudging the frozen ape's outstretched forearm to claim my footing. They did not move. I held my ground, watching the pale quadruped and the metallic figure across the floor.