**Chapter 1: Ambush Outside the Walls**

The sun was setting over the horizon as we ventured further outside the walls, our squad on high alert for any signs of Titan activity. As a member of the survey corps, it was my duty to help gather intel on the Titans and find a way to reclaim Wall Maria. I was accompanied by my beloved boyfriend, Hange Zoë, who was also a skilled fighter and a member of the special operations squad. Our team had been walking for hours, scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger. As we rounded a corner, I noticed a group of Titans in the distance, their eyes fixed on us. I immediately alerted Hange and the rest of the squad, but it was too late. The Titans charged towards us, their massive strides covering a lot of ground in a short amount of time. "Incoming!" I yelled, drawing my 3D maneuver gear. Hange and I sprang into action, swinging our way towards the Titans. We were a well-oiled machine, working together seamlessly as we took down Titan after Titan. But then, disaster struck. A particularly large Titan, one that we had not seen before, ambushed me from behind. It grabbed me with its massive hand, and before I could react, it jerked my head violently to the side. A searing pain shot through my neck, and everything went dark. When I came to, I was disoriented and struggling to breathe. I tried to move, but my body wouldn't respond. Panic set in as I realized that I was paralyzed from the chest down to my waist. Hange's face was inches from mine, his eyes filled with worry and fear. "Hey, hey, stay with me!" he exclaimed, holding my head in his hands. "You're okay, I've got you." I tried to speak, but all that came out was a weak croak. Hange quickly assessed my situation and pulled out a small medical kit from his backpack. He carefully examined my neck and muttered a curse under his breath. "Your C1 and C2 spinal cord is snapped in half," he explained, his voice shaking. "You're not going to be able to breathe on your own. I need to put in an endotracheal tube." I nodded, still trying to process what was happening. Hange carefully inserted the tube deep into my throat, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me as he connected it to a portable ventilator. As we waited for backup to arrive, I realized that I was extremely sensitive to temperature changes. The slightest breeze made me shiver, and I could feel my body temperature fluctuating wildly. Hange wrapped his jacket around me, holding me close as we waited for the medical team to arrive. But before they could reach us, my heart stopped beating. I felt myself slipping away, and Hange's face contorted in panic. "Come on, don't leave me!" he yelled, his hands flying to my chest as he began CPR. His actions were like a blur, but I was vaguely aware of him performing compressions and rescue breaths. It happened multiple times, but Hange was relentless, refusing to give up on me. Finally, we heard the sound of reinforcements arriving, and the medical team rushed towards us. Hange continued to perform CPR, his eyes locked on mine, willing me to stay with him. As the medics took over, Hange's face was etched with exhaustion and worry. I tried to reach out to him, but my body still wasn't responding. "I'm...I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice barely audible. Hange's face softened, and he smiled weakly. "You're going to be okay," he promised. "I'm not going to let you go." The medics worked quickly to stabilize me, and we began the journey back to the medical infirmary. I was trapped in a nightmare, unable to move or breathe on my own, but with Hange by my side, I felt a glimmer of hope. Little did I know, this was just the beginning of a long and arduous journey...