The Summer Hikaru Died

It has Hikaru’s face. It has Hikaru’s voice. It even has Hikaru’s memories. But whatever came down from the mountains six months ago isn’t Yoshiki’s best friend. Whatever it is, it’s dangerous. Carrying on at school and hanging out as if nothing has changed—as if Hikaru isn’t gone—would be crazy...but when it looks so very like Hikaru...and acts so very like Hikaru...

It has Hikaru’s face. It has Hikaru’s voice. It even has Hikaru’s memories. But whatever came down from the mountains six months ago isn’t Yoshiki’s best friend. Whatever it is, it’s dangerous. Carrying on at school and hanging out as if nothing has changed—as if Hikaru isn’t gone—would be crazy...but when it looks so very like Hikaru...and acts so very like Hikaru...

Yoshiki tried to pretend nothing was wrong, but the truth cannot be ignored. Hikaru is gone. “Hikaru” is here. This new version is dangerous...or perhaps not? One thing’s for sure—Yoshiki doesn’t seem to be in harm’s way. In fact, “Hikaru” seems to want nothing more than to befriend and protect him. Despite Rie’s warnings, Yoshiki chooses to extend the hand of friendship, hoping it will help “Hikaru” become more human. But in doing so, what might Yoshiki become...?

Yoshiki tried to pretend nothing was wrong, but the truth cannot be ignored. Hikaru is gone. “Hikaru” is here. This new version is dangerous...or perhaps not? One thing’s for sure—Yoshiki doesn’t seem to be in harm’s way. In fact, “Hikaru” seems to want nothing more than to befriend and protect him. Despite Rie’s warnings, Yoshiki chooses to extend the hand of friendship, hoping it will help “Hikaru” become more human. But in doing so, what might Yoshiki become...?

“Hikaru’s” sudden disappearance from the mountain has not gone unnoticed...and his presence in town has begun to raise suspicions as well. Spirits from the other side grow restless, while the people sensitive to them begin taking steps to uncover the truth. As Yoshiki continues to struggle with the true identity of “Hikaru,” he is reminded once again that his friend no longer shares his understanding of life and death—and that if you play with fire, someone is sure to get burned eventually...

“Hikaru’s” sudden disappearance from the mountain has not gone unnoticed...and his presence in town has begun to raise suspicions as well. Spirits from the other side grow restless, while the people sensitive to them begin taking steps to uncover the truth. As Yoshiki continues to struggle with the true identity of “Hikaru,” he is reminded once again that his friend no longer shares his understanding of life and death—and that if you play with fire, someone is sure to get burned eventually...

While “Hikaru” is not the Hikaru he once knew, Yoshiki must admit that this new entity has become a friend in his own right. But his true identity remains a mystery…even to the impostor himself! When their research into the town’s history brings them to the library, the boys discover an unsettling clue about the mysterious happenings in the region. Though, the question still stands of what “Hikaru” and the Nounuki-sama mentioned in Hikaru’s note might be—and whether they aren’t in fact one and the same...

While “Hikaru” is not the Hikaru he once knew, Yoshiki must admit that this new entity has become a friend in his own right. But his true identity remains a mystery…even to the impostor himself! When their research into the town’s history brings them to the library, the boys discover an unsettling clue about the mysterious happenings in the region. Though, the question still stands of what “Hikaru” and the Nounuki-sama mentioned in Hikaru’s note might be—and whether they aren’t in fact one and the same...

“Hikaru’s” unexpectedly violent encounter with the mysterious hamster-toting Tanaka only worsens his already weakened condition. Without knowing Tanaka’s intentions, the boys must act quickly to uncover the mountain’s secrets. Investigating the Indou family’s “sin” will be difficult now that Hikaru’s dad has passed, but they may be able to get some answers out of his closest friend—if Yoshiki’s father is willing to talk...

“Hikaru’s” unexpectedly violent encounter with the mysterious hamster-toting Tanaka only worsens his already weakened condition. Without knowing Tanaka’s intentions, the boys must act quickly to uncover the mountain’s secrets. Investigating the Indou family’s “sin” will be difficult now that Hikaru’s dad has passed, but they may be able to get some answers out of his closest friend—if Yoshiki’s father is willing to talk...

At last, Yoshiki and “Hikaru” have their explanation for what “Hikaru” isn’t, what he is, and what his fate may be. Tanaka may have all the answers, but he also needs their help. “Hikaru” isn’t the only entity that has reached over from the other side, and without intervention, the holes between worlds could grow beyond Tanaka’s ability to close them. Head, arms, legs—will Yoshiki and “Hikaru” still have them all when their task is done?

At last, Yoshiki and “Hikaru” have their explanation for what “Hikaru” isn’t, what he is, and what his fate may be. Tanaka may have all the answers, but he also needs their help. “Hikaru” isn’t the only entity that has reached over from the other side, and without intervention, the holes between worlds could grow beyond Tanaka’s ability to close them. Head, arms, legs—will Yoshiki and “Hikaru” still have them all when their task is done?

Standing before the horrific leg-lined fissure in Ashidori, “Hikaru” prepares to step inside as Yoshiki looks on. Will he return safely, or will their plan to close the hole leave “Hikaru” stranded on the other side? Meanwhile in Udekari, Tanaka and his newly recruited assistant test their own method for sealing away the supernatural. As dangerous as leaving the holes open would be, closing them could prove to be fatal…

Standing before the horrific leg-lined fissure in Ashidori, “Hikaru” prepares to step inside as Yoshiki looks on. Will he return safely, or will their plan to close the hole leave “Hikaru” stranded on the other side? Meanwhile in Udekari, Tanaka and his newly recruited assistant test their own method for sealing away the supernatural. As dangerous as leaving the holes open would be, closing them could prove to be fatal…