First Stomp

Stiffness cracked. My claws dug into the rough dark cloth beneath. Ahead stood a red-and-black beast, frozen mid-roar against the wall. I did not flinch. I flexed my neck, lowered my snout, and took one heavy step forward. My snout bumped against its plastic shoulder. A dull clack. It didn't strike back. It was just an unmoving shell. A low rumble rattled in my throat. I stood tall, claiming my ground.