Nikko took cautious steps as he walked about a step behind Jaya. His eyes met hers as she looked back at him, and the young man allowed his arm to fall to his side once she let go of his hand. He was not prepared for the armadillo lion that jumped out at them, and the water bender dropped into a half-stance, only wanting to fight the hybrid animal if needed. He did not pull the water out of his pouches yet, and watched as Jaya as she stopped the armadillo bear from pouncing at them. Nikko stayed in his stance as he watched the animal shy away from the fire, but still staying in front of the two of them.

He turned his head to Jaya and looked at her curiously. "What should we do? Try to fight it, run away, what?" He wasn't sure what to do. It might chase after them if they ran, and he didn't really want to kill it, even if the action did give them food.