"Aghhhh!!!"<br/><br/>The little girl's face was a mask of horror as she stared up at Mathias; her candy bar fell carelessly from her grip and she scrambled to hide behind her mother, seizing the woman around her waist as she buried her miniature face into the back of the blue, floral-print dress. The adult female wasn't quite as terrified as her offspring, but she did look very apologetic as she peered upward. She was of above average height, but Mathias still towered over her.<br/><br/>"I'm so sorry, she… it's the horns, they scare her. Kids and their ghost stories, and all…"<br/><br/>Mathias smiled, extending the candy bar that he had deftly caught before it could hit the sidewalk. "No need to apologize, Miss. But she should know that good little girls need not fear me. My wrath is reserved for the wicked," he added mildly as she accepted his offering, gingerly taking the wrapped treat from him as if fearful of making contact with his long, slightly tanned fingers.<br/><br/>His grin widened slightly as he wondered if they had any idea who he really was- could these mortals sense that he was a Prince? Could they feel the power radiating from his being? No, of course not. But he sensed them, in numerous ways- he smelled them, he saw their shadows as they moved, in ways that fell beyond their comprehension. He could look upon them, and in doing so he could gain a measure of the soul contained within. This was not unique for an immortal, but it was a tool in his arsenal that he seldom failed to utilize.<br/><br/>Idly, he noticed movement as the crowded sidewalk seemed to clear out around him; people were skirting around where he stood, as if unwilling to get too close to him. It was foolish, really- he was only there to help them. Their fear was born of ignorance; just as sheep recoiled from the barking of the dogs that kept them from straying, these people were oblivious to how much they needed him.<br/><br/>He felt something and twitched his head slightly so as to move a strand of long grey hair from in front of his eyes; the pale blue orbs scanned the vicinity, searching for the presence he'd sensed, hidden away in the midst of all the other souls around him. Not hidden well enough, though- no, it was almost unheard of for a Demon to escape his scrutiny. He knew her, he sensed her immediately, and he instantly knew where to find her.<br/><br/>With another smile at the woman and her child, who had slowly come out from behind her motherly shield, Mathias continued on his way. He walked past the art gallery and watched the populace parting before him as if being physically repelled by them. His height and his horns, two gleaming spikes just barely visible from beneath the hood of his grey cloak, were the only things that gave him away (his black wings were hidden beneath the rough material), yet they seemed to be more than enough. Really, he believed it was simply a hive mind, a mob mentality- the mortals saw one person evading him, and they instantly formed the conclusion that they too should follow suit. It was quite fascinating, although somewhat disconcerting that so many would fear one as kind and benevolent as he was.<br/><br/>A soft breeze was blowing, which felt good against his skin. Autumn was a good season, not too cold yet, not too warm- it was just right. He took a deep breath, savoring the freshness of the air though it was corrupted somewhat by the crowded city, even as people to either side of him continued to shove at each other so as to keep their distance from him on the sidewalk. He scratched his snow-white goatee as he drew closer to his destination, catching sight of a door with peeling paint beneath an illegible sign and a flickering light. Beside it stood a young man with interesting clothing as well as a spiked hairstyle reminiscent of Hellfire.<br/><br/>Mathias grunted, understanding why he sensed several Demons within; yes, this place certainly seemed the type of setting for those who viewed Hell as an adequate destination. Much of it came from ignorance, he knew, but he was not one to turn away those in need of guidance- even if they were unwilling to admit they required it. He didn't discriminate.<br/><br/>"Hey, the band is star-"<br/><br/>The man stopped mid sentence, staring up at the Demon Prince with his mouth slightly open as the color drained rapidly from his features. Mathias smiled down at him, marveling at how much a simple appearance could throw people off. Or perhaps the lad was more perceptive than he seemed.<br/><br/>"Nice hair, young man. If you were aiming for an intimidating appearance, you were most successful. May I enter?"<br/><br/>When the individual offered a wordless nod with his mouth still open, Mathias pushed through the entry, lowering his head slightly so as to cross the threshold without hitting his head.<br/><br/>He saw a stage with a few people on it (possibly the band, if he wasn't mistaken) as well as a bar. The floor was rather dirty, and his heavy boots continually pulled back up from it only reluctantly as he strode forward; he paid little heed to it as he spotted a woman garbed in black and white, seated in a section that was otherwise deserted towards the back end of the room. She was sitting in a fashion that suggested she wanted no company; the thought made Mathias' smile even more pronounced as he pulled up a chair right next to her, sighing softly as he eased himself down onto it.<br/><br/>"Vivienne. How pleasant it is to see you again."