The Manhattan Mall Food Court was a cool place to meet potential 'buddies', and Niko knew how to play the game. He had seen a few lovlies that has caught his eye, but what really caught him was the guy that opened a portal and took off!
He was watching a kid about his age, and then took off like he was needed elsewhere. Was that vortex a mutation, or something else? Interest piqued, Niko decided to say hi.
"Hey bud!", he said happily. "Name's Niko." He thought about extending his hand, but he just kept them in his pockets. "Saw you all alone here, and no one should ever feel alone in the Big Apple! You new here?"
Niko's synergy told him the boy was a mutant, and that registered in Niko's mind as a possible reason that other boy was watching him. But there was something in this mutant's eyes that reminded him of a kicked puppy; the eyes so sad and innocent. Would it be so bad to have another friend; someone his age to hang out with?