"Right... back at you..." Mirby spat out, painfully. The sword moved on its own, blocking every attack that came at her.
Do not worry, dear. I've got this. LEFT! RIGHT! LEFT! PARRY!
Mirby still was struggling to regain full control of her body. The combined pain from the choker and the mark was taking its toll on her body. She fell to her knees.
Mirby! Get back up! You cannot fall here! The sword continued to block the attacks.
"I... know... but I just... don't have the strength to stand..." Mirby said, painfully, gasping for air. She reached for the choker, only to find it burned to the touch.
Trust me! You can make it! You must! As Mirby's will started to weaken, the sword's power weakened as well.
"I... can't.... everything's.... get..t..t.ing..." Mirby was about to pass out.
Damnit, Mirby! Get up! Everyone's counting on you to come back! Everyone will miss you! DO NOT LET THE DEMON WIN!!!!!
Mirby started to glow a bit, in a prismatic fashion.
Yes... that's it... take the power of the pendant... take its energy and use it to get back to full strength!
Mirby started to stand. Her eyes were shut, but she was conscious. The pendant glew more brightly than the rest of her body. The collar began to weaken and crack, and the mark began to dissipate.
And now, strike with your own power!
The glow ceased. All was calm and quiet for one second... and then her eyes opened. She smirked. "And now, for the fight of YOUR life. ENGUARDE!" Mirby lunged, fully in control of her own body once more.
[Holy > Dark, anyday. That's how it works, I'm afraid.]