Argyleshire

Argyleshire
Character Information
Allegiance(s):	none
Occupation:	Knight of Darkness
Race:	Demon
Birthday:	November 11
First Appearance:	Zill O'll

Argyleshire (アーギルシャイア) is a secondary antagonist in Zill O'll. She briefly returns in the prequel as a minor boss.

Since she tends to prey on her targets at the peak of their fear, she is often called "The Heartless" (心をなくすもの) by her fellow demons.

Role in Games

Argyleshire is a top servant of Ulugh, having supported him since his formation. Originally spirits without bodies, they now have temporary mortal forms to help restore Ulugh's body. They are immortal and can only be put into a deep sleep. Each demon possesses a special object known as a Weapon of Darkness. Argyleshire was created by a sorcerer who combined darkness and departed souls' anger. They prefer to possess beautiful women who have suffered and have the Mask of Forgetfulness.

Zofor summoned her from her slumber once during the war against Nemea. TRINITY reveals that this incident occurred when the invaders penetrated Ancient's defenses. Sheelagh's past regrets and her figure shaped her to be the perfect host for Argyleshire. The demon's awakening was short-lived, however, as she was defeated by Areus and company shortly after her identity was revealed.

After her host died, Argyleshire went back to sleep. Five years later, Schwester, a skilled sorceress, became her new host. Imprisoned and drained of her magic, Schwester became hopeless and Argyleshire took over. Argyleshire broke free and sought her artifact in Meace. She enslaved Roy and sent him to kill Tiera's Daughters. Meanwhile, she focused on finding Nemo's artifact, the Forbidden Chalice, to gain unlimited knowledge and destroy humanity.

If the protagonist is Roy's younger sister, she may witness the destruction of Meace and the demon's theft of the artifact firsthand. Otherwise, the protagonist is likely to first learn about Argyleshire from Orphaus. He asks the protagonist to search for the Forbidden Chalice for him. Choosing to ignore the demon negates the chance to recruit and keep Sera (and Roy in infinite).

Should the protagonist pursue the Goblin Group for the chalice, he/she learns about Sera's past and his reasons for hunting the demon. When the main party is finally given the artifact, Argyleshire arrives to steal it for herself. She taunts that Sera would not be willing to hurt his sister's body and is deftly surprised when his sword strikes her very spirit. Wounded and humiliated, she and a brainwashed Roy flee with the chalice.

Her injury weakens her greatly. Her control over Roy's mind is nearly depleted and she lacks the power to mask her presence from other demons. Vashtar, one of Ulugh's knights who is fully aware of her selfish intentions, tracks her down to punish her for treason. When Roy flies in harm's way to protect her from Vastar, Argyleshire exhausts her powers a second time to save him. Vastar is astonished that she would care for another and chooses to let the demon suffer with her new wounds. After he vanishes, the protagonist and Sera come into the picture. They have a brief fight until Argyleshire flees with a weak dust spell.

The pair retreat to the caverns underneath Liberdam. Though battered and wounded, the demon is still intimidating enough for Antino to run from the premises when she approaches him. He notices her increasing frailty, however, and steals the chalice from her while making his getaway. Anticipating the protagonist and Sera's hot pursuit, Argyleshire marks the place as her last stand. The demon dismisses Roy from her command as she is aware she no longer has control over him. She is moved when the swordsman stays by her side, defending her even if his friend should come to slay her.

Once she falls in combat, Argyleshire ponders the warm and calming sensation she feels inside her. Schwester, whose spirit is now strong enough to overpower the demon's control, answers that the feeling is her love for Xiphos. Confused yet tired, Argyleshire sleeps once more. Schwester can sense the demon inside her yet she believes Argyleshire will no longer pose a threat. For now, the demon is content to eternally dream about Xiphos.

Personality

Argyleshire, a sadistic murderer, revels in killing and delights in using her powerful magic to torment the weak. She appears primitive and brutal when forced to show herself, and her lips are always twisted into a sadistic smile upon waking. Argyleshire is merciless in any form, and even other demons find her personal ambition and abandonment of Ulugh abnormal.

Surprisingly, Argyleshire is devoid of emotions. She feels nothing when she takes lives or when her victims plead for mercy. Killing is simply a part of her existence. However, she has discovered love as the only emotion that truly resonates with her.