The Dead Moon Circus still threatens Usagi Tsukino and the Sailor Guardians. Driven into a corner, the Earth sinks further into darkness as nightmares multiply. When the youthful Hotaru Tomoe begins to quickly mature following the complete solar eclipse, the Outer Sailor Guardians suspect something is wrong. Because they believe their prince and princess are in danger, the four revive their abilities to rejoin and help their fellow Sailor Guardians. Usagi and Mamoru Chiba's circumstances worsen as a result of the eclipse's effect, causing their abilities to degrade. The Guardians are at a lost on what to do next without their commander. Hotaru and Chibiusa, dissatisfied with the circumstances, set off on their journey.