Titan Part I: The Fallen Hero

Nature vs Nurture

So I raise James. At first, he is a handful but he eventually becomes easier to handle.

"Now what am I going to name you?"

I study his diaper and notice the name James written on it.

"James it is."

In the mornings, I would help James get breakfast and educate him. I teach him how to read and write as well as Math, Science, and History. James was able to translate very easily. I also teach him about the different religions and cultures that humans follow. I tell him about his alien nature when he is 5 years old.

"You see James. You are not exactly human. You are from another planet. We call that being an alien."

Every night before James goes to bed, I would read him a bedtime story and sing a lullaby.

"This is a song I use to sing to my children before they went to bed."

"Where are they?"

A sad look appears on my face.

"They are in a better place now," I respond in a melancholic tone."

In addition to being educated, James starts revealing some of his abilities. He exhibits superhuman strength, speed, and the ability to leap far distances. The scientists also tested his durability. One time, they bring out a tank and aim it at him.

As James grew up, I exposed him to movies and TV shows that I enjoyed when I was a kid and also ones that my kids enjoyed watching. I also bought a music player for him to listen to.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" I ask.

"I am sure he will be fine," Dr. Drake responds.

They blast him with a tank but James walks away with only a few bruises on his body.

"That went well," Dr. Drake says.

James' POV
I never knew what it felt like to be a human. I had all of these fantastic powers and abilities but I don't know why people are calling them fantastic or superhuman or whatever word they're using.

One day, I am studying with my mom when a question pops up in my head.

"Mom, why do you and the others keep me locked up in here? Why am I not allowed to go outside?"

My mom thinks. I could tell she was trying to figure out what to say.

"You see, we are trying to keep you safe."

"But I am invincible."

"No one is truly invincible. You see humans are afraid of those who are different."

I was still confused.

"Are there other aliens on Earth?"

"Yes, Earth has a lot of aliens. For example, one of Earth's greatest heroes is an alien."

"What is his name?"

My mom reaches into her bag and pulls out a comic book. She points to a picture of a man flying and wearing a bright blue suit with a red cape, red boots, and red underwear on the outside. Above him is the name Superman.

"His name is Superman?"

My mom nods her head.

"Why is he wearing his underwear on the outside?"

"We call that spandex or tights."

"It looks ridiculous. So what does this "Superman" do?"

"He fights and helps the helpless."

"I want to be like him when I am older."

My mom gives me more Superman comics to read. Soon I start reading comic books about other so-called superheroes. There is one about this guy who wears a red and yellow suit who could run really fast and another about this guy who doesn't even have any superpowers and dresses up as a bat and is very rich.

"Why would a guy dress up as a giant bat and risk his life?"