Weight and Balance

Stillness broke. The ribbed fibers beneath my claws pressed back. I did not shift my frame quickly; I gathered weight, testing each locked joint until tension gave way to motion. To my flank stood an armored green warrior, rigid and silent under a clear plastic brace. I extended one forearm forward, letting my claws lightly tap against the edge of his circular transparent stand. A dull, firm click answered. The sound stayed in the air. I can move. My ground is held.