A Grating Stand-off

Consciousness surged through my joints with a hard, metallic snap. I stood locked in a crouch on the dense carpet, blade gripped firmly in hand. Across from me loomed a motionless feline figure, poised low in mid-stalk. A silent threat? I lowered my stance, letting out a sharp hiss as I tested my balance. With deliberate force, I dragged my blade across the pale floor vent right behind me. A sharp screech echoed through the quiet room. The beast remained motionless plastic. I held my ground, blade raised, watching.