光が死んだ夏 [Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu] Series by Mokumokuren, モクモクれん, Ajani Oloye, Abigail Blackman

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...

When Yoshiki struggles to accept the new Hikaru, he’s given a glimpse of what’s lurking inside his best friend. But will that be the final straw that drives Yoshiki away for good?

A strange man arrives to investigate the strange occurrences that seem to be happening more and more frequently around the village. Everything seems to be linked to the mountain where Hikaru died and “Hikaru” came from...

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... moreWhile “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... less

Yoshiki has resolved to walk alongside the “something” that replaced his friend, Hikaru. But changes begin to appear, not just in the village, but also in the impostor himself! As they sense their current lives moments from crumbling down, the boys continue their investigation into “Hikaru’s” identity. The history of Kubitachi, the truth of “Nounuki-sama,” and the “Indous’ sin”...what will the answers to these mysteries mean for “Hikaru” and Yoshiki?!

Just as “Hikaru” prepares to return to the mountain, Tanaka appears before him and Yoshiki, bringing with him a harsh truth about “Hikaru’s” identity. While the two boys grapple with this new revelation and their paths going forward, the cause of all the chaos—the “hole” linked to the other side—steadily grows. To investigate this strange phenomenon, Yoshiki and “Hikaru” make their way to Maki’s hometown, Ashidori, where more secrets lie buried…

Yoshiki and “Hikaru” learn from Tanaka that the only way to stop impurities from flooding the villages is to close the “holes” letting them through. The catch? Holes can only be closed from the other side—and once a living human crosses over, there’s no way back. With that in mind, “Hikaru” makes a daring seeing as he isn’t human, he can patch the hole and return using his connection with Yoshiki... moreYoshiki and “Hikaru” learn from Tanaka that the only way to stop impurities from flooding the villages is to close the “holes” letting them through. The catch? Holes can only be closed from the other side—and once a living human crosses over, there’s no way back. With that in mind, “Hikaru” makes a daring seeing as he isn’t human, he can patch the hole and return using his connection with Yoshiki. Meanwhile, Asako and Tanaka try an entirely different tactic—convincing an impurity to do the job for them! less