The Shearwigs had led Lockjaw and the others down the hole into their secret burrow. The burrow was fairly large, and was filled with various plants and scrolls. There were also four tunnels leading to different chambers in the burrow.
“What is this place?” asked Lockjaw, looking around at the decoration.
“This is our secret dojo!” said the first Shearwig. “Now, please allow us to introduce ourselves.”
“I am Shearwig Master Skewer,” said one of the Shearwigs, making a “skewering” pose.
“I am Shearwig Master Slice,” said the other Shearwig, making an equally confusing “slicing” pose.
“And I am Shearwig Master Slash, head Shearwig Master,” said the first Shearwig, posing along with the other Shearwigs.
“Okay...” spoke up Lockjaw. “Well... what do you want from us?”
“We must unearth your skills and examine them individually!” said Master Slash. “You shall each be tested in a different chamber... except you,” he said, pointing at Lockjaw.
“Me? Why me?” questioned Lockjaw.
“We can feel strength radiating from you. There is no need to unearth your skills,” replied Master Slice.
“Besides, there are only three of us, and we each can only train one of you,” added Master Skewer.
“Do not fret, Orange one, you shall have your test,” said Master Slash. “You shall have the greatest test of all!”
“Now, for the physical examination,” said Master Skewer. The three Shearwigs then began hovering over Lockjaw and his friends, examining them.
“Hey, could you stop with all the buzzing?” said Gallon. “It’s annoying!”
The Shearwigs landed gracefully back on the floor of the burrow. They then began walking in a circle around Lockjaw and his friends. When they got around to Gallon, Master Slash nipped at his fin.
“Ow! What was that for?!” shouted Gallon.
“You must have patience, Obdurate one!” said Master Slash. “A true master of the forest’s ancient martial artistry is able to block out all diversions!” The Shearwigs then began flying again, intentionally making a louder buzzing noise. After a few more seconds of flying, the Shearwigs landed and gave their assessment.
“All of you appear fighting fit!” started Master Slash. “Orange one, you seem persistent to achieve, which will be your fuel to your inner power!”
“Inner power?” asked Lockjaw.
“We’re not finished!” barked Master Skewer. “No interruptions!”
“Hey, how come he doesn’t get nipped?” questioned Gallon.
“And you, Obdurate one,” started Master Skewer. “You seem to possess great power as well, but you think that battle is always about power. It is a delicate tapestry of skill and strategy!”
“...What? What does that even mean?” said Gallon.
“We shall disregard you!” said Master Slice. “Now, on to Puerile one,” he said, turning to Amp. “You have great fighting potential, yet you blissfully know none of it!”
“...You’re mean...” whined Amp.
“And finally, you, Contrite one,” said Master Slash as he and the other Shearwigs started flying around Divebomb.
“Hey! How come they get cool names and I’m stuck with ‘Orange one’?” questioned Lockjaw.
“Silence!” shouted Master Slash. “Now, Contrite one, what we’ve sensed from you is that you have a tendency to panic easily and fret in the face of danger! You know nothing of what it means to be a true Shearwig Master!”
“Uh, could you stop flying around me now?” said Divebomb. “I’m getting dizzy...”
“Very well,” said Master Slash as he and the other Shearwigs landed. They then turned to Lockjaw and his friends.
“Come, it is time for your training,” said Master Slash. “Obdurate one will train with Master Slice, Puerile one will train with Master Skewer, and Contrite one will train with me. Orange one, it is imperative that you stay here. Top secret training is underway!”
“All right, I won’t move!” said Lockjaw as the three Shearwig Masters each led Gallon, Amp, and Divebomb down three separate tunnels.