First Stance

Stiff plastic. Then warmth. A low rumble in my throat. I shifted my weight forward. My claws flexed against the smooth surface beneath me. Straight ahead, another figure stood frozen, arm raised mid-strike. Unmoving. A challenge? I stepped in. Planted my heavy foot. Extended one hand to test its raised fist. Solid. Silent. It did not push back. This territory is mine now.