Phoenix was too busy laughing (for a fraction too long) to answer her, "ha ha ha. You sure are feisty -" The sound of something down the path distracted him but he couldn't investigate too closely without being seen. The worry of losing the Gate was making his borrowed human heart quicken, and he cursed himself for letting her distract him. Obviously that was her plan, so that if Wiseman were to destroy him she could step into his place, "damn you! I have to catch this guy!"