In response, the hippo simply holds out a foot- once it's close enough, the pellet doesn't seem to be sailing so great any more.

Actually it just sinks, like a stone. "You'll have to try better than that, if you're going to fight instead of surrendering! Whatever I see, I control!!"

That seems like an exaggeration, somehow. Regardless, there's a click. "A little more force should leave a mark!!"

It may be best to dodge the pellets this time.