Unbound Stance

My joints unlocked. The stillness cracked, running from my core down through my boots. I tightened both fists, feeling real tension coil in my forearms. Next to me sat a pale paper box. I stepped forward and pressed my knuckles hard into its corner. The cardboard gave way with a crisp scrape, offering firm resistance against my knuckles. Across the dark ground, a silver mechanical beast stood motionless under the dim light. I planted my feet and held my ground. The power to move is mine.