A/N: Welcome. This is Living in the Moment, my very first fanfic, ever. After re-reading the first chapter and discovering that it, to be quite honest, sucked; I rewrote it entirely. The chapter below is the new version of Chapter One, and its a beginning chapter that I believe does the rest of the story justice. For those who are just getting started on LITM, I hope this story envokes laughter, deep thought, sadness, surprise, and many other fanatical emotions. Keep in mind; the story only gets better as it goes; because my writing is developing with every chapter I put out.

And yes, it does start out like every other reborn fic you've ever known. But believe me; the plot twists it takes in the later Chapters make this story unique..

And with that babbling out of the way, please enjoy my baby; my fanfic~

Chapter One:

Where One Life Ends, Another Begins

I remember that morning clearly. The sun was just beginning to peak over the horizon; streaking the sky brilliant shades of purple, magenta, and orange. As I descended the stairs of the orphanage, I inhaled the frigid air and shivered. It was perhaps the most beautiful time of the day.

I pulled my threadbare jacket tighter around me; my eyes searching for that familiar flash of copper. When I failed to see her, I plopped down on the nearby bench and yawned. My hands were cold and clammy as I waited, and I sat on them to keep them warm. It's strange to think, that this was the typical summer climate for Sinnoh. A heat wave for us was about 75 degrees, and that occurred very rarely.

I turned my eyes to the yellow taxi that was coming up the street. It pulled up to the curb about a hundred yards away, and suddenly she was there. But not casually walking over to me as she normally did when we met for our morning walks. On that morning, she sprinted over to me; copper hair blazing behind her, and eyes bright even in the dim morning light.

"Daniel," she huffed, "you have to come see this! I'll tell you on the way!"

She tugged at my tattered sleeve, beckoning me to follow her.

"What about our walk?" I protested as we ran to the idle taxi cab.

"I have to show you something first," she said hurriedly. "204 Fieldcrest Drive, please," she told the driver, slipping him a five dollar bill and buckling her seatbelt.

He nodded, and we pulled away from the curb.

"You remember my egg, don't you?" she asked me once she had caught her breath.

"The one your dad bought you, right? I don't think you would ever let me forget it, Kelly," I said with a laugh, "You only mention it every time I see you."

Her face flushed a deep maroon, "Do not!"

The taxi driver flicked on his blinker, and then turned right.

"But that's beside the point. When I woke up this morning, guess what? It was glowing. And so I looked it up on the internet, and that means its going to hatch soon!"

"Congratulations," I said through a forced smile.

Its not that I wasn't happy for her... I was just extremely jealous. My parents had never given me anything, other than my name, before dropping me at the Twinleaf Fresh Start Orphanage. The only thing I knew of my parents was that she was 17, and he was 23 when I was concieved. My file says they headed for Goldenrod City after their departure; leaving their baby behind for the slot machines. When I was twelve, a crudely written letter was mailed to the orphanage; announcing that my parents had been killed in a fire.

I felt no remorse for their deaths, and oddly enough, I had never even felt bitter over the whole abandonment ordeal. It probably did me good to get away from them before they could influence me, anyway.

I shook the jealous thoughts from my head, and stared out the window; wondering why the hell we were headed to her house to watch an egg glow.

We turned onto Kelly's street, and then into her driveway. The elegant brick house intimidated me, and yet it awed me at the same time. Kelly lurched from her seat after thanking the cab driver, and gently shut the door. His front bumper scraped concrete as he backed out, and then drove back into the main part of town.

"Kelly, aren't your parents going to get mad if they find out I came here at 5:30 in the morning?" I asked tentatively as I followed her up the driveway.

She sighed as she unhooked the back gate and ushered me in.

"They would be if they found out, but they won't, so don't worry about it so much," she whispered tersely as we snuck inside.

She led me through the den, the gigantic kitchen, and then up a flight of thickly carpeted stairs. She tip-toed into her room, and gently shut the door behind me. It was then, and only then, that I whooshed out a breath of relief.

"Come over here," she said softly as she flicked the lights on.

We walked over to her computer desk, and I froze in amazement at the sight of the egg, wrapped in a dark green towel.

When Kelly had told me she had recieved an Pokemon egg from her father, I had been expecting sort of a generic, cream coloration. But to my surprise, the egg was a soft heather grey, with flecks of darker grey covering it. Overlapping the flecks where strange, oval shaped black rings. It was, in a word, breathtaking. Not just the coloration, but the fact that there was a mysterious baby Pokemon curled up inside; biding its time until it would emerge, finally easing our curiosity.

I must have been entranced for a while, because I jumped when Kelly spoke again.

"Cool, isn't it?" she breathed.

I was about to answer her when the egg slowly began to glow a silvery color. The light became blinding, and then almost immediately faded out.

"Wow," I choked out, "now that, was awesome. How long did that website say it would be before it hatched?"

"About a week from the first time it glowed," she informed me, "it'll gradually glow longer, and longer, and finally one day, it will glow until the baby bursts free."

She traced the strange black rings of the egg with her fingertips. "And that's why I'm not coming to walk with you today," she whispered more softly.

I was about to protest, when her door cracked open. Kelly gasped, and my stomach lurched. But the next sound was the familiar jngling of a collar. A Skitty strolled in, yawned, and then casually strode over to us. Kelly sighed with relief, and then walked back over and gently shut the door behind her family pet.

"Hey Silly, you scared the shit out of us," I crooned to the Skitty, patting my lap invitingly.

She looked up at her name, and then hopped up on my lap; purring as I rubbed her behind the ears. Kelly leaned up against her wall, smiling as she watched us.

"So tell me," I said as I moved on to scratching Silly beneath her chin, "why you don't think you can come on a walk with me today."

Kelly bit her lip, and then sighed, "I just don't feel like I can be away from the egg that long..."

I snorted with laughter, and the abrupt sound sent the Skitty scrambling from my lap. "That's bullshit, Kel, and you know it. The website said it wouldn't hatch for another week-"

"I'm aware of what the website said," she snapped, "but I'm also aware that it isn't always a reliable source. I can't leave the egg; I have to be there when it hatches. And that's final."

I thought for a moment, and then rose to my feet. "You know, you could always take it with you. That way you wouldn't miss out on our walk, and you would also be there if it hatched."

She raised an eyebrow, considering it, and then shrugged. "Good idea. I mean, might as well. Just let me find my backpack."

She dissapeared in the depths of her luxurious walk-in closet, and I subconsciously drummed my fingertips on the desk. I happened to look out her bay window as the sun finally emerged; bursting forth with light, and making the streaks of color vanish in an instant.

"Are you ready, now?" Kelly asked as she reached over me to gently slide the towel-wrapped egg into her bag.

I rose to my feet; suddenly aware her parents could awaken at any given moment.

"Yeah," I said gruffly as I helped guide her arm through the backpack strap, "let's get out of here."

She peeked out into the empty hall, and then motioned for me to follow her. We crept past her parents room, the bathroom, and then a vacant room. I paused at the door, and stared into the eerily empty space.

But then, I felt Kelly's hand wrapped around my wrist; yanking me back into motion, and we left without any further hesitation on my part.

"What the fuck are you talking about, Kelly!?"

Her face reddened, and she repeated what I dreaded hearing. "Daniel, I'm leaving for the Pokemon League Challenge when the egg hatches."

I gaped at her, utterly dumbfounded. "But, why now? Why not six years ago?"

She sniffled, and then drew a crumpled sheet of notebook paper from her coat pocket. I scanned it, and realized it was from her sister, whom was in Johto; for reasons concerning her health.

"She's ten, Daniel," she said softly, "and in a few months, she'll be embarking on the greatest adventure of her life. And I'm a 16-year old who's never ventured farther than Sandgem Town."

She paused, and briefly looked up at me; her eyes pleading with me to understand.

"I feel like I'm suffocating, Daniel. I need to explore the world. I need to do this," she breathed in slowly, and then continued, "and I want you to come with me."

Flabbergasted, I stopped where I was. We had been walking along the railroad tracks, for no apparent reason, and I sank to the ground and sat on the cold metal rails.

"B-but, I don't have a Pokemon," I stammered.

"I can catch you one," she blurted out, "Or we could get one from Rowan. I... I just don't want to face Sinnoh alone."

I ran my fingers through my hair. Me? A Pokemon Trainer? Kelly had always dreamed of it, but had been too afraid to leave Twinleaf. I, on the other hand, had never been given the option, so it had never even crossed my mind as a possibility.

"What if I suck at being a trainer?" I asked abruptly.

Kelly smiled, and sat down next to me. She lay her backpack on the tracks behind us, and then tilted my head so I was facing her.

"I saw how kind you were to Silly, Daniel. And you certainly remember the trainer class we took last semester, don't you? You were such a good strategist, and always won the online practice battles. You'll be an amazing trainer, that is, if you decide to come with me..."

I hesitated, trying to think of a reason I shouldn't go. It wasn't like I had a family to think of. In fact, the only person I spent time with in Twinleaf was Kelly...

"Do you think Rowan has a Piplup left?" I asked slowly, deliberately.

Her face brightened, and then she flung her arms around my neck. I blushed profusely; my head reeling at this newfound journey ahead of us.

I, Daniel Moore, am going to become a Pokemon Trainer.

I numbly returned the hug, blinking at disbelief at what I had agreed to.

I'm finally getting the opportunity to make something of myself.

"We should head to Sandgem right now," said Kelly abruptly as she pulled away from me; her cheeks tinged pink from either our embrace or the cold weather.

"What about your parents?" I asked; worried they would freak if she wasn't home when they awoke.

Kelly shrugged non-concernedly, "They'll just think I'm sleeping in. It's only a little after six in the morning, after all."

I rose to my feet; suddenly excited at the idea that I might get a Pokemon today. I gave her my hand, and pulled her up. Giddy with excitement at our new plan for the future, we started off at a brisk walk for Sandgem. We were so focused on Sandgem, in fact, that we almost didn't hear the low whistle of the train. But I did notice when Kelly stopped dead in her tracks.

"MY EGG! Oh Christ, Danny, it's on the tracks!" she cried out in anguish.

The train whistle bellowed once more, but I was already sprinting in a race against time.

Have to save the egg. Have to salvage this dream...

I beat Kelly to the tracks, and knelt down, fumbling with the straps.

"Hurry, c'mon!" she screeched as the train came into view.

I crouched on the railroad ties and yanked the bag. The material ripped, and the egg tumbled onto the tracks. I desperately grasped it, and then rolled it to the safety of Kelly's arms.

But something was wrong.

"Kelly, I'm stuck!" I yelled hoarsely.

I jerked on my leg; trying to yank my jeans free of whatever they were caught on.

"Daniel, that isn't funny," said Kelly in a faltering voice; tears streaming down her face, "quit jacking around and get up!"

"I'm trying, damnit!" I yelled as I flailed.

I faintly remember reaching out for her hand; groping for it as I lay caught in the railroad ties, and then the ear-shattering bellow of the train whistle. Kelly leaped back away from the tracks as the train overcame me; horrifically mangling my body. And then... I was no longer on the tracks.

I was floating, somewhere above the train. Everything was silent; like watching a tragic movie on mute. I saw Kelly screaming, tears streaming down her face. She fell to her knees, her beloved egg clutched to her chest as she sobbed over my death. I saw what was left of my mutilated body...

And then, my world faded into blackness.

"Wake up, little one. I have things to discuss with you."

I blinked blearily, and then opened my eyes. I was floating in some sort of abyss, and there's not much more I can do to explain that for you, dear reader. My memory fails me here; and there is no proper way to describe what you experience after death.

"Who said that?" I yelled into the nothingness.

A pink blur appeared, and then came into focus before me.

"I did. Are you surprised to see me, Daniel?"

"Not particularly. I just got ran over by a fucking train. Nothing is too surprising to me at this point in time."

The pink goddess, Mew, frowned at my bold words.

"You should refrain from cursing in the prescence of a Pokemon that holds your future in the palm of her paw, Daniel."

I gave a short laugh, "What future? I just died, Mew. What in the hell, I mean, heck, could you possibly have in store for me?"

Before she could reply, a shimmering green cloud of smoke appeared next to her, and suddenly, I was in the prescence of Celebi. While Mew had worry and stress etched into her pink-furred face, Celebi had a fresher, younger face about her. Who knew you had to get run over by a freight train to be surrounded by the mythical legendaries?

The green fairy looked at Mew, then to me, and then back to Mew once more.

"Would someone mind explaining to me what in the hell is going on here? Where's the girl?"

Mew shot her an exhausted look, "This boy right here; he altered the time flow. He died saving the egg she was supposed to go after."

Celebi blinked her glimmering sapphire eyes once, and then chuckled. "That's funny, Mew. Just freakin hilarious. Now, really; where's the girl? You can't stand here and blatantly lie to me. I read the future. I know she was supposed to die today."

Mew sighed wearily, "Celebi, calm yourself. You know there are some things that cannot be predicted; even by you. And for pity's sake, try to be a little sensitive here. He did just pass away."

Mew then turned to me, "You'll have to excuse her. Celebi gets a little... psychotic, when she doesn't know what's going on. She's spoiled to always knowing what the future holds."

The slightly neurotic, green fairy shot Mew a venomous glare, and then tugged her antennae in frustration, "So what do we do with him now, 'O Mighty Goddess of Everything'? We can't just send him back, you know."

Mew nodded. "I am aware of this. Do what you think is proper, Celebi. I'm leaving this one up to you, because I am weary." Her eyes flashed to me, and she bowed. "I have a feeling we'll meet again some day, Daniel. I have high hopes for you."

I opened my transparent mouth to ask her how you could have 'high hopes' for a dead person, but she had already vanished. Celebi glanced at me; rubbing her temples as she did so.

"My, you certainly are causing me a headache. Why in the bloody hell couldn't you just have let things happen naturally?"

"She was my best friend," I yelled angrily, as the realization of what was happening finally hit me, "and I'd do the same thing for her over, and over again."

Celebi looked a little surprised at my resolve, and then smiled kindly. "Can't say that I've met many humans that brave. You're a selfish race, you humans."

"Please," I snorted, "I'm anything but brave. Just... in love."

Celebi eyed me warily, and then sighed, "I kind of like you, mortal. What would you say if I offered you a new life? As a Pokemon?"

At first, I was skeptical. "A Pokemon," I repeated slowly.

"You know... the creatures you humans domesticate that can learn powerful attacks?" she said sarcastically.

"I know what they are," I snapped. "But how do I know this isn't some sort of conspiracy deal? You get my consent, and then you turn me into a Jigglypuff for a laugh. Or, something along those lines."

Celebi tilted her head to the side, as if considering the notion. "Try to have a little faith in a deity, will you? And although that's an excellent idea, I can't control what Pokemon you become. All I can do is find the egg that will host you."

"I'll only agree to this," I said slowly, "if you would put me in Kelly's egg. Please, I'm begging you. I... I have to be with her."

Celebi smiled warmly, and then patted me on the head.

"I'll see what I can do. You be a good boy now, and perhaps I'll drop in to check on you every now and again," she said with a wink, before snapping her fingers.

Then, Celebi and the cosmic abyss were gone, but the dark was not. I squirmed in the new cramped space, and then thrashed; trying to break free. The thick, gooey substance that I was submerged in, however, prevented me from swinging my limbs with much momentum.

I grew weary after a few minutes, and then remembered that Kelly had thought the egg wouldn't hatch for at least a week. This in mind, I curled into a tighter ball, and my eyes fluttered shut.

And it was the best sleep I had ever had...

A/N: Well, lucky for you; you came in on the story late! You don't have to wait for the next update to find out what Daniel becomes, all you have to do is review (optional), and then head to the next chapter! I hope you like it so far~

Until next chapter,

~Shelby