Dawn of the Night: The Awakening of a Loser

Ian felt like his head was being stabbed by hundreds of sharp needles all at once, each wave of pain stronger than the last, as if threatening to pierce through his skull completely. Those alien memories surged like a roaring tsunami, slamming against his consciousness with overwhelming force. He clutched his head with hands like vises, staggering aimlessly down the street, his eyes full of heart-wrenching pain and confusion.

"What the hell is happening? Where are these memories coming from?" Ian muttered under his breath, his voice raspy with agony. He knew he had to find someone to decipher these memories fast, or he'd be utterly consumed by this flood of recollections.

He'd heard that the city's paranormal research institute was home to some top-notch experts who might unravel the mystery tormenting him. With an unbearable headache that could knock someone out cold, Ian dragged his lead-heavy feet to the stern, imposing building.

"Hold up! Who the hell are you?" the guard at the door said coldly, his gaze devoid of warmth, blocking Ian as he tried to enter.

Ian, desperate, explained, "I... I have something super important. I need to see one of your experts. I've got all these weird memories popping up in my head..."

The guard, visibly annoyed, cut him off, "This ain't some place for any Tom, Dick, or Harry. No appointment, no entry. Beat it!"

Ian's heart sank like it had been dunked in ice water, his last shred of hope evaporating. He stood there, frozen like a statue, his eyes brimming with helplessness and urgency, his mind blank on what to do next.

Just when Ian felt utterly alone, a gentle voice came from behind, "You okay, buddy?"

Turning slowly, Ian saw Sarah, who looked like an angel sent from heaven. Her beautiful face glowed softly in the sunlight, and the empathy in her eyes warmed Ian's desperate soul.

Sarah approached with genuine concern, "You seemed in such pain. Are you sick? I'm a doctor; maybe I can help."

Ian clung to her words like a lifeline in the dark, "I've got all these crazy memories in my head, and it's killing me. I came here for help, but they won't let me in."

Sarah furrowed her brows, thinking, then said, "Alright, I work around here and know some folks. I'll see if I can pull some strings for you."

Ian looked at her, gratitude in his eyes, "Thanks, you're a lifesaver."

With Sarah's help, Ian finally met Professor Li, a big shot in the field of paranormal studies, sporting black-framed glasses and an air of meticulous curiosity.

"Young man, tell me everything about these memories," Professor Li said, pen in hand, ready to note down every detail.

Ian took a deep breath and began describing the fragmented, bizarre memories. Professor Li listened intently, occasionally nodding, his mind clearly racing through possibilities.

Just as they were about to delve deeper, the lab door burst open with a loud bang, sending a shock through everyone's hearts. A group of intimidating figures in black, tight-fitting suits stormed in, their presence chilling the room.

The leader, with ice-cold eyes, stared down Professor Li, "Li, don't meddle in this. This guy's memories aren't for you to touch."

Professor Li's face changed slightly, but his experience helped him maintain composure, "Who are you people? Why interfere with our research? This is a matter of scientific exploration!"

The man smirked, a laugh that sent shivers down spines, "We're from the paranormal organization. Don't ask what you shouldn't know. Be smart, send him away, or you'll regret it."

Ian, filled with sudden anger, stood up, "Why the hell should you guys dictate what happens with my memories? What's going on? You owe me an explanation!"

The man gave Ian a disdainful look, "Kid, don't be a hero. You'll regret digging further."

Something clicked in Ian's mind. Using his newly awakened, still-raw memory-reading power, he tried to glean some secrets from these intruders. Time seemed to freeze, and then, with a slight smile, Ian said, "Think I don't know anything? Think again! I know about your shady experiments and your dirty deals with some dark forces."

The intruders' faces turned as dark as a storm brewing. Ian continued, "If you don't want your dirty laundry aired, you better get lost now."

The leader gritted his teeth, "You'll pay for this, kid. But for now, we'll let you go. Don't push your luck." With that, they left like rats scurrying away.

Ian knew this was just the beginning of a deeper mystery, but with Sarah's support and Professor Li's expertise, he was ready to face whatever came next in his quest for truth.