[Phoenix learned this magical secret long ago and likely taps into it as much as he can afford to (and then some), in order to try to win the shadow chief's favor.]

I'll settle for that compromise! But any more than five minutes, and I'll come hollering! [But he remains good humored as he says that.]

Well... [He withdraws one hand to scratch at his neck sheepishly.]

I got stuck in a volcano with Athena.