An: Hello and welcome back to Kamen Rider Mythos, enjoy the new chapter and go read Fantaji Sentai Questinger as well. I got nothing else so enjoy.

Kamen Rider Mythos

Myth 8: A Forged Family

A vase flew across Zeus's temple as Rhea glared at her two generals, anger in her eyes as they cowered in fear, "Things just continue to get worse, first there were two of them, now because of that idiotic idea Mythos has another god to get power from. Whose brilliant idea even was that to power another monster with a god?"

Prometheus coughed slightly as he tried to word his words carefully, "My Queen we may not even have anything to fear. It's only Hephaestus and we don't even know what he may do, he wasn't exactly treated well by the other gods."

Rhea calmed down for a moment before Krios opened his mouth, "This is kind of your fault though my Queen, you were confident the monster could kill Demi and Mythos wouldn't interfere."

Before he could speak another word, Rhea screamed and appeared in front of him, holding him up by his throat, "WHAT WAS THAT KRIOS?" Krios choked as he struggled to breathe, "It was your idea my queen."

She began to squeeze harder a voice appeared from behind her, "I see I finally come to visit and this is what I come in to? Aren't you Titans supposed to be competent and not fighting amongst yourselves like the Olympians?"

Rhea turned around to see a figure standing in the shadows of the temple, she glared at the feminine looking being, "And what are you doing here?" The figure laughed as it remained in the shadows, "Come now Rhea, I let you into Olympus did I not? I betrayed your children to be on the winning team. Has that not earned me a place here?"

Rhea dropped Krios and walked over to her throne, sitting down in it and nodding, "I suppose it has, now what do we owe the pleasure?" The figure laughed again, "I overheard your worries about Hephaestus. Prometheus is right, Hephaestus would never join the fight, he hates Ares and the rest of his family too much."

Rhea frowned and crossed her arms, "Very well, but I'm preparing a monster just in case. We can't give Hephaestus the chance to change his mind." The figure nodded in agreement, after all it never hurt to have a backup plan.

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Hikaru frowned as he sat down on the couch in the living room, it had been a few days since they had found Hephaestus and Ares hadn't stopped arguing with him. He watched as Ares glanced at Hephaestus who was trying to ignore him, "Don't you worry little brother, once we defeat the titans we can get you back to where you belong in the forge."

Hephaestus turned around and glared at him, "I told you already I don't want to go back to my forge, this orb has been better than anything you or father has provided for me in over a thousand years."

Hikaru watched as Apollo got between the two, "Brothers please, must we fight? Ares you don't need to keep reminding Hephaestus of his forge if he doesn't want to hear it." The door of the apartment and in walked Taiga, followed by Achilles. Taiga joined his brother on the couch and put a hand on his shoulder, "So I see they're still fighting."

Hikaru nodded slowly, he hadn't gotten much sleep thanks to it, "The most shocking part is Apollo is somehow being the mature one in this situation." Taiga nodded in agreement, "You're kidding? That is shocking."

Achilles crossed his arms and shook his head, "No as much as I hate to admit it, it's not shocking for Apollo. He's always been one of Hephaestus's biggest defenders." Frowning again Hikaru watched as Hephaestus finally had enough of Ares and retreated into his orb.

He watched Apollo let out a sigh as he finally decided to ask the question that was on his mind, "Hey Apollo I have to ask why do those two hate each other?" Ares said nothing as Apollo spoke, "Well you know, unlike me they're actually both kids of Zeus and Hera so there's a rivalry there. Plus Ares being Ares has always taken the opportunity to humiliate Hephaestus whenever he could. Plus you know Ares did have an affair with his wife."

Ares scowled at Apollo, "If I recall correctly you slept with Aphrodite too." Apollo nodded slowly, "Yeah but that was after the two had separated and I had asked Hephaestus for his blessing. Besides, she'd been trying for 500 years and I ran out of excuses to say no, plus it seemed to have pissed you off more than it did Hephaestus."

Ares said nothing as retreated back into his orb, clearly not willing to admit Apollo was right. Apollo gave a nod to Hikaru before going back into his orb as well, leaving Hikaru, Taiga and Achilles in the living room.

The two brothers looked at each other before Achilles said the thing that was on all of their minds, "Whoever would've thought I'd see the day where Apollo, almost as bad as his father, respected another God's lovelife." Hikaru and Taiga looked at each other, on that they could agree.

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*The Opening theme begins, Colors by Flow*

Instrumentals begin as the city is first viewed before shooting upwards to reveal a floating city and Hikaru Kinami standing in front of a temple with a sun on it. The words Kamen Rider Mythos flashes on screen.

jibun wo sekai sae mo kaete shimaesou na shunkan wa itsu mo sugu soba ni

The camera flies through the city showing several temples and finally the sun before several flashes of monsters appear.

kakusenu iradachi to tachitsukusu jibun o mitsume

Hikaru is shown in several places looking withdrawn and upset in several locations including his mother's flower shop, his school and finally a busy street. Finally it flashes to him now as Mythos atop a building looking down on the city.

mayoinagara nayaminagara kuyaminagara kimereba ii sa

Taiga, Mizuki and Kiriko appear in the flower shop looking happy as Hikaru is withdrawn from them before the scene flashes to the city, Olympus with the gods flashing one by one before landing on Apollo and Ares holding their respective orbs.

kimi ga kureta kotoba hitotsu tomadoi wa kiesari

Hikaru is shown picking up the Mythos driver and placing it on himself

karappo datta boku no heya ni hikari ga sashita

Hikaru henshins as Apollo flies behind him flashing a golden light

miageta oozora ga aoku sumikitte iku

Mythos fully formed bursts into a group of foot soldiers fighting them off

tozashita mado wo hiraku koto wo kimeta

Mythos fights some monsters off as Apollo Frame before quickly changing into Ares Frame with Ares overlapping Mythos as he prepares a sword finisher. Kamen Rider Demi appears and fights off several enemies as Achilles overlaps with him.

jibun o sekai sae mo kaete shimaesou na

Mythos is shown riding his rider machine Machine Chariot

shunkan wa itsu mo sugu soba ni

Several flashes including Ares frame, one unknown Mythos form,Demi Achilles Frame and Cronus's coffin appear before settling on Hikaru and Apollo standing together

The music ends with the Pantheon Driver and multiple Orbs scattered on the ground with a ray of light on them.

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Hikaru and Apollo stood on the roof of his apartment, overlooking the city as Apollo frowned, "You've probably figured it out by now but Hephaestus probably won't be willing to fight with you as Mythos."

Hikaru shook his head, "No, I figured you'd be able to convince him to fight with us." Apollo looked at him, "Hephaestus couldn't care less about the rest of the Gods being restored, he and I may be close but the rest of our family constantly mistreated him.

Even Artemis did, then again I'm the only one in our family besides our father she likes." Hikaru sighed, "So what do you think we should do? Hephaestus could really help us but I don't want to force anyone, God or human to fight if they don't want to."

Apollo crossed his arms, "I know my favorite brother and he won't listen to me, which is why I think if anyone is going to convince him it'll be you." Hikaru raised an eyebrow, "Why me?"

Apollo shrugged, "You have an outside perspective I think, besides you got Ares and I to get along, you can convince Hephaestus to fight with you. Look I'll try to distract Ares from being…. Ares and you just focus on talking to Hephaestus."

Hikaru nodded before smiling at the God of the sun, "You know I think this is the most mature I've seen you act. Does Hephaestus draw out your inner responsible big brother?" Apollo chuckled for a moment, "Maybe, someone had to protect him. Now don't get used to it, I'm just on edge every time those two are near each other." Hikaru smiled, either way it was interesting seeing a different side of Apollo.

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Thousands of Years Ago

Hephaestus hummed to himself as he worked at his forge, the sound of the liquid metal hitting the water to cool it down was music to his ears as he stepped away for a moment, even he needed a break. As he went to check on something he heard the door to his forge open and frowned as he turned to see who it was, "Well if it isn't the twins, what brings you two here?"

Apollo shrugged, clad in a golden robe as he watched Artemis always in her blue armor approach Hephaestus, "Hephaestus I need you to make me a new bow for hunting, this last one you made me simply won't do anymore."

Hephaestus nodded slowly before turning to Apollo, "And what do you want?" Apollo sat down on a workbench, being careful to not knock anything over, "Oh I'm just here to hangout after I saw Artemis coming in here, it's always hard to get my two favorite siblings into one room."

Hephaestus rolled his eyes, the twins were inseparable and as much as he liked Apollo, Artemis was always a bit high and mighty. Artemis frowned, "Well are you going to make me my bow?" Hephaestus cursed under his breath and pushed back his orange hair from his face, "I can get started on it as soon as I finish something for Athena."

Artemis nodded before walking over to where Apollo sat, sitting down next to him and knocking several tools over, "Very well then I shall wait for you to be finished." Hephaestus frowned and put his goggles on, "It takes time for a weapon to be made Sister."

Artemis nodded, "And I will wait for you to finish as I want my bow." Hephaestus sighed again before turning to Apollo who was now fiddling with his own bow, "And what about you? Do you want a new bow as well?"

Apollo shook his head and continued polishing his bow, "Nah, I'm fine with my current bow. This was already already a gift from you and unlike my sister over here I intend to take care of this one so I don't need to bother you for another." Artemis looked at him in shock, "That's surprisingly sentimental of you Apollo."

Apollo shrugged before looking at Hephaestus, seeing him growing more annoyed, "You know what, I think we should leave our brother to his work, we don't want our banter to throw him off his game."

Before Artemis could protest Apollo picked her up and began to drag her out of the forge. As they left, Hephaestus let out a sigh of relief before going back to work, at least one of his siblings respected his craft.

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Present Day

Hikaru took a bite of his ice cream as Mizuki sat across from him, they'd been trying to figure out how to convince Hephaestus to help in the fight against the Titans and they were getting nowhere.

Mizuki frowned, "Have you tried getting him some supplies to make stuff? Maybe he'd like to be reminded of his forge on Olympus?" Hikaru shook his head, "No, from what I've gathered from Apollo he's happy to have a break from making weapons for the rest of the Gods."

Mizuki took a bite of her ice cream and put a hand on her chin, "Hmmm, what about praising him for all the work he does?" Hikaru shook his head again, "Hephaestus is one of the few Gods who doesn't have an ego, praising him probably wouldn't convince him much."

Mizuki sighed, "And here I thought Apollo and Ares were difficult enough." Hikaru nodded in agreement, "It just feels like everything that worked with those two just won't work with Hephaestus, I'm not sure what to do. I've been racking my brain all day and night with ideas."

At that moment Taiga arrived to sit down next to his brother, a large ice cream in hand as he took a bite before cocking his head to the side, "So what are you two discussing so intensely?" Hikaru frowned, "We're discussing how we could possibly convince Hephaestus to help us but we aren't getting anywhere."

Taiga nodded for a moment before raising an eyebrow, "Hikaru have you just tried talking to him, man to man, I mean man to god? You're overthinking it when who knows maybe all you need to do is talk to him." Hikaru and Mizuki were silent for a moment before Mizuki looked at Hikaru, "You never thought of that did you?"

Hikaru's head hit the table as he let out a groan, "No, no I did not. Taiga you're a genius sometimes you know?" Taiga chuckled and clapped his brother on the back, "That's what I'm here for Hikaru, when you overthink I'm here to offer a simple solution."

Hikaru smiled at his brother and nudged him in the ribs, he wasn't sure how well it would go but surely it was worth a shot of just talking to Hephaestus. At least, he hoped it was.

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It took some coordinating with Apollo, but Hikaru had finally managed to get Hephaestus alone. Standing on the balcony in his room, Hephaestus stood there floating as Hikaru tried to approach him, "I know you're there young Mythos, you need not try and sneak up on me."

Hikaru rubbed the back of his head, feeling dumb, "Oh right sorry Lord Hephaestus, I'm shocked you even realized I was Mythos since Apollo said you haven't asked many questions."

He stood next to Hephaestus who seemed to sigh as he continued to speak, "Considering I've worked before on the device that makes you Mythos I would know it anywhere. Since you are Mythos you can refer to me as Hephaestus, now ask the question I know you've been wanting to ask."

Hikaru was taken aback by his bluntness, he wasn't expecting Hephaestus to be so down to business, "Uh right, Hephaestus the war with the Titans is getting worse, and I could really use your help. I know you have problems with Ares but I ask you, please fight with Mythos." Hephaestus said nothing for a moment before one word came from his lips, "No"

Hikaru's mouth fell open as he found himself trying to find the words to speak before the worst possible response he could give came, "Why not?" Hephaestus frowned for a moment, "I understand your plight young man, but I don't wish to fight against the Titans."

Hikaru was shocked by his response but he figured he was this far, why not dig deeper, "But why? Don't you want to go back to Olympus? To your home and see your family again?"

Hephaestus shook his head calmly, "Do you want to know something about me young man? I detest fighting, all I ever wanted to do with my talents is to create things that helped the world, not weapons to harm others. But my father took my talents and perverted them to create weapons; all the while, my family could care less about me, never once thanking me. I was never given a break and always expected to be in my forge, so now for the first time in milenia I'm free to do as I wish, I have no desire to go back to my prison just yet."

Hikaru frowned before looking at the God, though he didn't display Hikaru could see the rage in his eyes, "Do you really hate your family that much? Even Apollo?" Hephaestus thought for a moment before nodding, "Apollo is an exception because he's the only one who ever treated me with kindness. The rest of them however can stay imprisoned for all I care. I have no qualms remaining here while you fight your fight, but please do not ask me again to join you."

Hikaru nodded slowly, he wasn't about to argue with the God. Besides if he really wanted to convince Hephaestus he would have to respect his wishes and earn his trust.

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Thousands of Years Ago

The sound of a hammer clanging against metal could be heard as Hephaestus was hard at work, completely engrossed with his work. He had his goggles on as he continued to shape the next great weapon he was working on.

As he continued to work Apollo waltzed into his forge, glass of ambrosia in hand and sitting down where he usually sat when visiting his brother. Hephaestus didn't look over at him but seemed to still know he was there, "What do you want Apollo I'm busy." Apollo took a sip from his glass and shrugged, "Hiding from Hermes cause he kept annoying me so I figured I'd see what you were doing."

Hephaestus frowned and continued working, "I'm working on a new weapon that father requested, so don't touch anything because everything in the forge right now is vital to its creation."

Apollo nodded, "Oh please who do you think I am? Ares?" Hephaestus stopped working before going back to his work, causing Apollo to frown, "Speaking of Ares, how are you doing little brother?" Hephaestus grabbed another tool, still concentrating on his work, "I don't have any idea why you're asking Apollo but I'm doing as fine as one can be while locked in a forge every minute of every day."

Apollo sighed, "Hephaestus you damn well know what I mean. You and Aphrodite officially separated and now everyone else is talking behind your back, hell you even have lesser Gods laughing, you can pretend all you want you don't know what I'm talking about but anyone would be upset about his wife and older brother having an affair."

Hephaestus nearly crushed the hammer in his hand as he set it down, deciding to speak to his brother, "I won't lie to you Apollo, my heart was hurt, yes. What Aphrodite and I had wasn't perfect but I thought it worked, clearly she didn't. But I managed to get my revenge on the two, their infidelity on display for all to see. Ares and mine's relationship was never close anyway so no loss there. My biggest thought right now is that I wish Father would allow me a break from the forge to process my marriage ending, but alas the weaponsmith of the Gods gets no such luxury."

Apollo got up upon hearing this and approached his little brother, grabbing him by the wrist and beginning to take him outside. Hephaestus tried protesting but had to admit, Apollo was stronger than he looked. Apollo smiled as he pushed the doors of the forge open, "You shouldn't overwork yourself little brother, especially when you're hurting. Come on, you and I are going to the human realm and your older brother shall show you a good time before I go back to Olympus!"

Hephaestus stopped struggling as he allowed himself to be pulled off. Father wasn't going to be happy about this and Apollo clearly didn't care, then again perhaps he didn't care either. Besides, was it really that harmful to just have one little break?

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Present Day

Rhea sat on her throne, enjoying some ambrosia as she heard footsteps. She took a sip, not even turning to acknowledge her visitor, "And where have you been?" The same feminine voice as before giggled, "I was watching those idiotic brothers, my theory was correct, Hephaestus won't help Mythos."

Rhea smiled in delight, "Good, that's one less worry." The figure appeared next to Rhea, showing a projection of a monster, "I do believe we should take this opportunity to eliminate Apollo and Ares then, without them Mythos will be powerless and the other one can't do everything on his own with his weakness."

Rhea nodded in agreement and snapped her fingers, the monster coming to life before the projection disappeared, "Do what you must then, I trust you to carry out this plan." The figure nodded and disappeared back into the shadows, Rhea smiled, perhaps getting her on the Titans side was the best move they ever could've managed.

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The sound of screaming could be heard as a snake like creature with two wheels holding up it's tails terrorized the area. As people ran from it some were unlucky and met its eyes, resulting in them turning to stone midstep.

As it continued to people it was shot with an arrow as Mythos and Demi arrived, weapons in hand. Demi turned to Mythos, "Is that a snake on wheels?" Mythos nodded, "It kind of looks like it's on a bike, we should be careful it's moving pretty fast." From the corner of the area Hephaestus appeared, he couldn't help but be curious about how Mythos and the other one fought, but he couldn't help taking his eyes off the weapon in Mythos's hands.

The two riders watched as a man tried running from the monster, the monster maneuvering around him and in front of him, the man gasped and turned to stone from its gaze. This seemed to cause a reaction as Ares appeared from his orb, "Ah shit it's a gorgon, you better be careful or it'll get you too."

Mythos drew back his bow and nodded, "Any suggestions then Ares?" Ares shrugged, "Try to be on the offensive and hit it hard and fast, if it manages to put you on the defensive then you're already a statue."

The two nodded and while trying to avoid the Gorgon's gaze they started to hit it, Mythos firing several arrows at it while Demi tried taking out its wheels, sending it away from him. Demi let out a curse and continued to watch the Gorgon, "Its bicycle half is making it too fast, we need some well placed shots."

Mythos nodded and shot several more arrows, trying to hit its eyes, "If we take out its eyes it'll just be another snake, barely an issue." The two charged the Gorgon again, trying to stay on the offensive but soon it started to fight back, sending Mythos back with its tail and resulting in Demi being distracted by his brother's injury. Feeling weakened, Mythos drew one last shot on his bow, the arrow flying and hitting the Gorgon in the face and causing it to cry out in fury.

With that Mythos lost his transformation and Hikaru got up feeling defeated, both Apollo and Ares appearing at his side. The Gorgon looked at Hikaru, clearly setting its sights on him, however before it could get to him Demi got in its way, hitting it with his sword and causing it to cry out in pain again, but unfortunately it was too late as Demi saw its eyes.

Turning around the pertification began to take over him as he extended his hand out to Hikaru, "HIKARU!" With that the pertification overtook him and he turned to stone, leaving Hikaru to scream out his name, "TAIGA!"

Before he could try and transform again, but Ares stopped him, "Wait Hikaru, the Gorgon may be injured but it might have one more attack left." The Gorgon, seething with anger charged at the 3 with all its speed, Apollo barely having a moment to react, "Hikaru look away!"

Hikaru looked away as the glowing green eyes of the Gorgon hit Apollo and Ares, at first nothing happened causing Ares to laugh, "Ha, we don't have bodies so we can't turn to stone." Then all of the sudden they began to fade, their orbs glowing as they turned to stone, "Dammit this thing is sealing us!"

Ares cursed in Greek as the two were almost gone, "Well shit looks like we're gonna be out of commission, good luck Hikaru you're gonna need it."

He faded away first as Apollo managed to hang on long enough to call to Hephaestus who was still watching, "Hephaestus please! I know you hate our family but help Hikaru, please he doesn't deserve your wrath for our sins!"

With that he was sealed away as the Gorgon fled, no doubt going to heal its wounds. Hikaru was left there alone, his two most important allies sealed and his brother turned to stone. He had no options left, he needed to convince the God of forging to aid him in this fight, no matter if he liked it or not.

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Hikaru sat on the couch, watching a news report about all the people turned to stone, including his own brother. As he sat there thinking about what to do, Mizuki sat next to him wrapping a bandage around his head, "You're moping, I know you feel hopeless but you still have options Hikaru."

Hikaru frowned and shut off the TV, "What options? Those people are turned to stone, so is Taiga and even if they could come back it's not like I can fight without Apollo and Ares." Mizuki finished wrapping the bandage and frowned, "You have Hephaestus at least, maybe you can try convincing him."

Hikaru looked over at the God who seemed to be sulking in the corner, "I tried already, he refused and I as much as my mind is telling to try and force him I know it's not the way." Mizuki got up and put a hand on his shoulder, "Try talking to him again, from the heart. You need to forge a bond with him just like you did Apollo, and to a lesser extent Ares. Even if he doesn't want to fight for his family, I have confidence you can make him fight for humanity."

Hikaru thought for a second and nodded, "You're right I guess, I should try again." Mizuki smiled and nodded, "Of course I'm right, now you go and talk to him and I'll go help your Mom out in the flower shop."

Hikaru nodded and got off the couch, walking over to Hephaestus who seemed to notice his arrival, "For the record, since it wasn't a Gorgon like Medusa those that Gorgon turned to stone will be reverted once you kill it."

Hikaru let out a sigh of relief before deciding to speak, "Hephaestus, I understand that your family has treated you like dirt, and trust me I understand what it feels like to have an older brother who seems to grab all the love and attention. But you can't let that stop you from doing what's right, the Titans will destroy everything, humanity, Gods, everything even you've created if we don't stop them. You have a chance right now to be a hero, show your father and the other Gods you're better than what they've made you and force them to respect you. So please help me, because if you don't then everyone dies, and I can't let that happen."

Hephaestus was silent for a moment, causing Hikaru to grow nervous that he had upset the God before the deity finally spoke, "The last thing Apollo did before being sealed was ask me to help you, not just ask but begged. There was none of his usual attitude, no laziness or ego, he was just worried about you. It reminded me of something from 1000's of years ago."

Hikaru raised an eyebrow, "It did?" Hephaestus nodded, "Did he ever tell you that he was once punished by Zeus because of me?" Hikaru shook his head, "No, I've never even heard of it in any of the books I've read." For the first time ever Hikaru saw a ghost of a smile on Hephaestus's face as he began to tell Hikaru a story from long ago.

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Thousands of Years Ago

Olympus seemed almost quiet as the two Gods arrived back, having been gone for what seemed like forever. The two were arm in arm, dancing around drunk before they finally separated and Hephaestus with a smile on his face raised his glass of ambrosia, "Apollo, thank you for getting me out of my forge, that was the most fun I've ever had."

Apollo chuckled and raised his glass as well, "What are big brothers for? Next time you wanna head to Earth let me know and we'll have a ball, who knows, maybe even plan a party with some of my followers."

As the two cheered to each other there was a crack of thunder and the two suddenly found themselves in the meeting hall of the Gods, surrounded by the rest of the 12 Olympians.

The two turned to see a very angry looking Zeus who glared at them as Apollo quickly sobered up, "Oh hello Father, did we miss a meeting?" Zeus glared at him, "SILENCE APOLLO! STEP ASIDE AND YOU WON'T FACE MY WRATH!"

Hephaestus frowned and pushed Apollo to the side, "Father if this is about me leaving my forge briefly before finishing your weapon then I apologize."

Lighting pulsed through Zeus as he stood up, "BRIEFLY? YOU TWO WERE GONE FOR 10 MORTAL YEARS, PARTYING AMONG THE HUMANS! I HAVE TOLD YOU MULTIPLE TIMES HEPHAESTUS YOU ARE GOOD FOR ONE THING AND ONE THING ONLY AND THAT IS FORGING US WEAPONS, YOU ARE NOT TO LEAVE THE FORGE FOR ANY REASON!"

Hephaestus began to stammer out an apology before Apollo stopped him, "Father please calm down! It's my fault, I convinced him to go have some fun and abandon his work. Berate me instead of my brother."

Apollo could hear it in his head, that twin telepathy of his, Artemis telling him to quit while he was ahead but he couldn't, he couldn't let this happen to Hephaestus. In a moment's notice Zeus hurled a lightning bolt at Apollo, sending him across the temple as he continued speaking to his son, "Enough out of you Apollo. Hephaestus, how many times have I told you, your only use is in that forge, it is the only reason you're allowed in Olympus and if you ever disobey me again I will cast you out and let you die amongst the humans. AM I CLEAR?!"

Hephaestus weakly nodded before he heard Apollo get up again, his older brother glowing like the sun in anger, "I HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS! You all treat Hephaestus like dirt and it's time this stopped! He is so much more than just your lackey to make you weapons. Hephaestus is creative, kind, caring, and doesn't have an angry bone in his body which is the only way he hasn't snapped at any of you yet. All he wants is to create masterpieces for the world to see and yet you have him forging pathetic weapons to make mortals fear you, and for what reason? He isn't as pretty or as strong as some of us are? He is family and he should be treated as such, not a servant who's available at your beck and call."

Zeus paused for a moment before looking at his oldest son, clearly uncaring, "Are you quite done with your temper tantrum Apollo?"

Apollo said nothing as he heard a giggle from the otherside of the temple, Aphrodite sitting on her throne clearly enjoying the drama, "Honestly Apollo he's not worth it, he's a stain on this family so stop worrying your pretty head about him and go sit on your throne, I'll even visit your temple later if you're good."

Apollo turned around, the anger in his eyes matching even Zeus's, "Oh shut up you harlot, all you do on Olympus is manipulate us all with your love and listen to all the drama. That's all you really care about isn't it Aphrodite? Watching us all argue and turn against each other."

Another crack of thunder rang through the temple as Zeus appeared in front of Apollo, grabbing him by the collar, "That is enough boy! I will not tolerate you speaking to anyone here like that. I will do as you ask and spare Hephaestus a punishment, but you, you will be spending your days amongst humans, powerless and weak until you learn your place in Olympus."

Hephaestus watched as a hole in the floor beneath Apollo sent him plummeting down to Earth as Zeus and everyone else remained silent. Hephaestus could see Artemis stopping herself from interfering as Zeus turned towards her, "Contact him in the slightest and you'll join him daughter."

Artemis said nothing as Zeus finally turned his attention back towards Hephaestus, "Go back to your forge Hephaestus, hopefully you've learned your lesson about disobeying me." Hephaestus nodded weakly and quickly fled the temple, that was the day he learned to never leave his forge. He didn't matter to this family, he was useful for one thing, one purpose, and he would fulfill it until the end of time.

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Present Day

Hikaru sat in silence as Hephaestus finished his story, "When Father eventually allowed Apollo back amongst the Gods things were different, he didn't visit my forge anymore, he didn't talk to me much, he never tried to act responsible again. That was the punishment that resulted in the Apollo you're more familiar with."

Hikaru frowned, "I'd heard that Apollo was made into a human before but I never realized that it was because of defending you." Hephaestus nodded, "It wasn't often Father allowed any legends involving me to make their way to the humans."

Hikaru sighed and approached Hephaestus, "I know he ended up doing more harm than good, but Apollo's heart was in the right place, he wanted to help you and tried to get you better treatment even if it failed."

Hephaestus nodded in agreement, "Before this I thought he no longer cared about me much, but then I saw you as Mythos and I realized he still cared."

Hikaru raised an eyebrow, "How did you realize that by seeing me as Mythos?" Hephaestus chuckled softly, "Because that bow you use, it's the one I made for Apollo long ago that he always insisted on using. Apollo has had many bows over the millennia but that one, it was the first one I made for him and his favorite bow amongst his collection. Despite our distance, that bow still holds value to him and I've realized I had value to him."

Hikaru looked Hephaestus in the eyes, deciding to extend a hand to him, "Hephaestus, I understand your family doesn't like you and you don't like them. But you have a brother who would fight and die for you, and sometimes that's all that matters. Plus right now we're in the same situation of my older brother needing our help. So if you can't fight for your family then fight for Apollo and we can be family instead, because I appreciate you for who you are just like Apollo does, and in all honesty family is what you make of it, not who you share blood with."

Hephaestus let out another chuckle before putting a ghostly hand on Hikaru's shoulder, "Hikaru Kinami, I like you, you remind me a bit of myself, and I've decided I'll fight for Apollo, and for the mortals." Hikaru went wide eyed, "You mean it?"

Hephaestus nodded, "Aye little brother, I still don't want to fight for the rest of the Olympians, but if I let myself fall into their pettiness then I'm no better than them, so let's get out there and defeat that Gorgon." Hikaru nodded and the two turned to go out the door, determined to defeat the Gorgon and rescue both of their brothers.

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Familiar sounds could be heard as once again the Gorgon had returned, terrorizing people and turning those who dared look it in the eyes to stone. However it was confused for a moment as the sound of a motorcycle could be heard, Hikaru on the Machine Chariot appeared, launching from the stairs it drove down and hitting the Gorgon, stunning it as the Machine Chariot landed and came to a stop.

As Hikaru got off Hephaestus appeared beside him, "It's stunned, now would be the best time to transform." Hikaru nodded and pulled out the Pantheon driver, putting it around his waist as it sprang to life, "PANTHEON DRIVER!"

Removing Hephaestus's orb from his pocket he put in front of himself, "HEPHAESTUS PLEASE LEND ME YOUR POWER!" Appearing above him Hephaestus crossed his arms, not as battle ready as his brothers, "Let us forge something great out of this battle little brother!"

Hikaru scanned the orb in front of the driver, "HEPHAESTUS ORB!" The usual chant of the driver began,

"What's beyond the chains?! Break freeeee!"

"What's beyond the chains?! Break freeeee!"

Hikaru made a similar motion to Hephaestus had done not long ago, seemingly pulling goggles from his eyes and slamming down his fist like a hammer before pushing the button on top of the driver, "HENSHIN!"

Hephaestus seemed to dissolve into molten lava as it poured over Hikaru as the driver announced,

"CRAFT ON! RED HOT FLAMES! FORGE AHEAD! (THE FORGING GOD) HEPHAESTUS FRAMEEEEEE YEAH!"

The new Mythos form appeared, being orange and brown, the trench coat on Mythos had turned in an apron with a flaming orange pattern on it, his left side had what seemed to be a furnace on it and his right side had an anvil on it, his shins also having a similar furnace design. His face had a mix of a furnace over the mouth and goggles on the head, his hands having blacksmith gloves on them.

Finally his chest had a flame design on one side and an anvil on the other. Mythos pointed at the Gorgon, feeling rather creative in his form, "I'm the Rider chosen by the Gods, prepare to have your fate forged for you."

The Gorgon had recovered from its injuries and screeched at him, clearly not caring about who he was. It began to charge at him and Mythos, knowing what it was planning, waited until it was close enough, moving from its gaze and opening the furnace on his side, unleashing molten metal on the Gorgon, resulting in its eyes being burned beyond repair.

He heard a chuckle within his mind as Hephaestus's voice came through, "Impressive use of my forge little brother, now let's finish this."

Mythos nodded and removed what appeared to be a handle from his wrist, before sticking it in the furnace and removing it and striking it against the anvil side as the driver announced, "HEPHAESTUS: UOHANMA!"

A large warhammer appeared from the molten metal, still burning as Mythos jumped up, striking the ground and sending an earthquake at the Gorgon which caused it to try and flee with its bike half.

Mythos opened his furnace again, putting the Uohanma into it and bringing it down, sending molten metal onto the ground and tripping the Gorgon, causing it to scream in pain.

Slamming the Uohanma into the ground, Mythos launched himself from the handle, the furnaces on his shins and wrists burning as he slammed the Gorgon with several punches and kicks, resulting in it being covered in burning metal as it found itself unable to move.

Hephaestus, seemingly getting into the battle, yelled in his mind, "Little brother, let's finish it now!" Mythos nodded and took out the Hephaestus orb, placing it into the Uohanma, "Time to give Hephaestus a proper tribute!"

The Uohanma began to heat up as it announced, "HEPHAESTUS FAVOR: UOHANMA!" Mythos let out molten metal from all the furnaces on his body, covering the Gorgon as he lifted the Uohanma, it becoming larger and more anvil like as he jumped up, sending the massive hammer down as collided with the Gorgon, resulting in a large explosion that destroyed it.

As the Gorgon died those that were turned to stone started to come back as Mythos untransformed, leaving Hikaru as Hephaestus appeared beside him, "Hmmm that wasn't too bad but I can't say I'm big on fighting still."

Hikaru smiled, "On that we can agree." Suddenly both Apollo and Ares appeared again as the petrification wore off as Apollo wore a big smile on his face, "Hephaestus you did it! Oh and I guess you did too Hikaru."

Hikaru chuckled as Hephaestus nodded, "You've picked this Mythos well Apollo, he managed to convince me to ally with him." Before Apollo could respond though Ares cut through and glared at the forge God, "You did ok for you Hephaestus, but you need not worry the actual Gods are back and you can go back to doing what you do best."

As if something snapped Hephaestus glared at Ares and began to yell, "ARES WOULD YOU SHUT UP YOU IDIOT! IF I SO DESIRE TO FIGHT WITH MYTHOS THEN I SHALL NOW GO BACK INTO YOUR ORB BEFORE I PUT YOU BACK THERE MYSELF!"

Ares said nothing as he retreated back into his orb, Hikaru and Apollo exchanging a look of disbelief, "Did that just happen? I didn't even know he had it in him." Apollo nodded in agreement, "Honestly I'm just proud of him for finally talking back to Ares."

Hephaestus turned towards the two and looked apologetic, "I'm sorry about that I don't know what came over me. Apollo I just wanted to say, thank you for all these millenia of being a good brother to me, I appreciate it."

Apollo began to glow as he felt embarrassment, "Oh don't mention it, uhhhhh hey Hikaru maybe we should go make sure Taiga is fine." Hikaru's eyes widened as he remembered Taiga, "Right thanks for the reminder Apollo, he's probably really confused. Guess I got a bit lost in the excitement." Hikaru began to run towards the Machine Chariot as he took out his phone to call his brother and see if he had woken up.

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Back on Olympus, Rhea watched as Mythos defeated the Gorgon, clearly annoyed as Hephaestus was now aiding Mythos, "Well another plan failed and Mythos grew stronger."

She heard another laugh, "Perhaps then Queen Rhea it's time to strike Mythos a different way, something more personal."

Rhea raised an eyebrow, "Oh really?" Footsteps could be heard as the figure grew closer to Rhea, "I've been observing Mythos just as I did the Gods before I defected to the Titans and allowed you into Olympus, I know what makes him tick and what would harm him mentally instead of physically."

Rhea laughed and looked at the figure, "What did you have in mind then, Aphrodite?" The Goddess of love finally stepped out of the shadows, a sinister smile on her face as her plan for Mythos was finally beginning.

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Back at the Kinami home Hikaru sat on the couch, listening to Taiga talk about being turned to stone, "Hikaru it was so weird, I was aware of everything but I was completely frozen but like I couldn't feel anything."

From the side the 3 Gods watched as Hephaestus crossed his arms, "What have you two found out about Hikaru Kinami?"

Ares shrugged as the two were at least in a truce for the time being, "Besides finding it weird that Father sent Apollo to Japan and he just happened to find the one kid who believed in us, he seems like a normal human."

Apollo raised an eyebrow, "Why do you know something we don't?" Hephaestus frowned, "No, but I do remember some years ago where our father was very focused on Japan, this city especially and it's just making me wonder if that was connected to this."

The 3 brothers looked at each other in silence, wondering if their father had ulterior motives and if Apollo landing in Japan wasn't as random as it seemed.

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TO BE CONTINUED!

Next Time on Kamen Rider Mythos

A Siren has Mizuki under her thrall as Aphrodite speaks to her

"You will be the one who brings down Mythos for me."

Hikaru is laying in bed speaking to Apollo

"After all these years I don't get why Mizuki is abandoning me."

Finally Taiga is grabbing onto Hikaru

"Hikaru I'm telling you something is wrong with Mizuki."