Beyond The Walls (AOT x OC Fanfic)

Eyes Of Steel

The afternoon sun hung high in the sky when the infirmary door swung open again, and in strode Captain Hange, practically buzzing with energy. Jeiden had been waiting since her tests that morning, anticipation coursing through her at the thought of finally leaving the sterile walls of the infirmary. Despite her nerves, the small victory of being able to stand and walk had done wonders for her confidence. Now, she was ready to take that next step—quite literally.

"Jeiden!" Hange greeted, beaming as she approached the bed. "I hear the doctors have given the go-ahead! Are you ready for your grand tour of the HQ?"

Jeiden smiled faintly, feeling a surge of excitement at Hange's enthusiasm. "I think so. I'm definitely ready to get out of here."

"Great! I've been looking forward to this all day," Hange said with a grin, grabbing the nearby chair and pulling it over as she sat down for a moment. "You've been stuck in this room for far too long. It's time to stretch those legs and get some fresh air—and trust me, you'll want to see what we've got around here. HQ is a fascinating place."

Jeiden chuckled softly, the tension in her body easing as Hange's enthusiasm lifted her spirits. Despite everything—the uncertainty, the confusion—Hange had a way of making the world seem just a little brighter. It was hard not to get caught up in her energy.

"All right, let's get you on your feet," Hange said, springing up from the chair and offering Jeiden a hand. "We'll take it slow. If you start to feel tired or unsteady, just let me know, and we can take a break."

Jeiden nodded, taking Hange's hand and slowly rising from the bed. Her legs felt shaky but more stable than they had that morning. The tests had helped, giving her body a chance to wake up after days of inactivity. With a few cautious steps, she found her balance and stood up straight, the world around her seeming just a little more open, a little more inviting.

"Ready?" Hange asked, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Ready," Jeiden said, her heart racing with anticipation.

With Hange leading the way, they stepped out of the infirmary and into the corridor. For Jeiden, it was like stepping into a new world. The hallways were wider than she had imagined, filled with soldiers going about their duties, their footsteps echoing against the stone floors. Everything felt so much bigger outside the confines of the infirmary, and the air seemed fresher, crisper, as though she had taken her first breath of freedom.

"This is the main hallway of HQ," Hange explained as they walked, her voice lively and full of enthusiasm. "It's where most of the activity happens—troops coming and going, orders being passed along, strategies being planned. Over there," she pointed to a set of double doors, "that leads to the training grounds. It's usually pretty lively with new recruits during the day."

Jeiden took it all in, her eyes wide as she tried to absorb the new surroundings. There was something comforting about the hustle and bustle of the HQ—the soldiers in uniform, the murmur of voices, the distant clinking of equipment being moved. It felt alive, and in a way, it reminded her that she wasn't alone in this strange place.

As they made their way down the hall, Hange kept up a steady stream of conversation, pointing out various rooms and explaining their purposes. Jeiden listened intently, feeling a sense of normalcy returning. This world—the Survey Corps, the soldiers, the headquarters—was starting to feel just a little more familiar, even if she couldn't quite place why.

Eventually, they came to a small mess hall, where the scent of freshly baked bread filled the air. The room was modest, with a few wooden tables scattered about and a long counter where food was being served.

"Let's grab something to eat," Hange suggested, practically dragging Jeiden toward the counter. "The food here is simple, but it's much better than the bland stuff they've been giving you in the infirmary."