Infectious - A TWD fanfiction

Five - Fast Friends, Instant Carrgivers

:://Ash's POV\\::
We're still wandering, moving as slowly as the biters that surround us. In this world, it's kill or be killed and I know these guys would prefer the first, and after seeing my brother in that state, I'd prefer to keep living too. I don't want to end up like those glaze-eyed ooze-dripping creatures. Killing them gets easier as you continue to do it too, at first I saw them as dead people who had no choice, but now I only see them as monsters that will kill you without a second thought. They have no emotions, no thought process, nothing. They're monsters. Hungry monsters with not an ounce of humanity left. I don't want to end up like that. Not today, nor any day. A blunt statement, I know, but I just won't let it happen.
Violets hand being placed on my shoulder brings me out of my thoughts, a warm smile on her lips. Roger is still walking beside me, so now I have each caregiver on either side of me. 'Caregiver'. I like it. It works, because that's just what they are. Fast friends, instant caregivers. Violets warm smile soon faded as we heard a rustle in the woods, really close to where we are. There were three slow footsteps, making me assume it was two walkers, only there were no drags or groans, just three slow steps all occurring in small intervals and repeating, coming towards us. Violet held up her weapon, gesturing for Roger and I to do the same. We all stood shoulder to shoulder, being sure to be able to see all around us. Was the wood playing a trick on us? Was it just a squirrel bounding around with something in its mouth? Was the sound coming from somewhere away from where we were hearing it? Where was the sound? Where was the cause?
The footsteps picked up pace as the sound drew closer to our position. Only a little bit, but it still picked up pace. It was getting noticeably closer to us, staying at a steady, almost cantering pace. It was obviously too small to be a horse, we would've seen it by now. The first thing that came to mind was an injured dog. But there were no barks. A mute dog maybe? It's a possibility. But why would it only have three legs? What DOES have three legs?
My mind starts to race with the possibilities, my stomach churning, urging to find out so my heart would slow and allow me to finally breathe.
As the small creature emerges out of the thick wood, I let out a breathe I wasn't aware I'd been holding in, relief flowing through my body as I crouch down to show the animal I was friendly. It trotted up to me and sat down contentedly. A smile grows on my lips as I utter a name.
"Tabby."