Disclaimer: I do not own "Animax." "Animax" is property of Mel Birnkrant. No profit is being made from this story.
The Living Jungle was a truly magnificent sight, filled with all manner of lush, exotic plant life. It was no surprise that the Animax felt most at home there. Despite his difficulty untangling the memories he had inherited from his genetic forebear, Max Action never had any trouble recalling the many marvels it held.
Heater Delight looked around in amazement, her eyes filled with wonder as Jungle Max drove along, keeping his speed down so they could appreciate the sights. She had been overjoyed when Max had asked her if she would like to go on a drive with him in the Living Jungle but this was better than she had ever expected.
Max smiled as he watched her. Wearing her favourite pink dress and with her long black hair shining in the sunlight that made it through the jungle canopy she was the most beautiful woman he'd ever met. He'd been silent for some time now, not wanting to distract her from the sights, but finally he spoke.
"What do you think Heater? Is the Living Jungle everything I promised?"
"Everything and more" she replied. "It's so beautiful out here. Thank you for inviting me Max."
"No need to thank me. Getting to see the Living Jungle through your eyes is like rediscovering it for myself all over again."
Well, technically I've already done that he thought to himself with a stab of all-too familiar self-doubt. Even now, months after his rebirth, he still had difficulty with the fact he was a clone of the original Max Action.
Heater noticed a troubled look in his eyes. "What's wrong?" she asked gently.
"Oh, uh, nothing serious. I was just thinking how strange it is to have memories of things I haven't literally done."
She nodded in understanding. "I can't imagine what that's like, but you know I'm always here if you need someone to talk to."
"I know and I appreciate it. Sorry for dragging down the mood."
"It's okay."
Just then Jungle Max braked sharply, coming to an abrupt halt. Heater gasped in surprise and Max looked around, fully expecting trouble. When no threat appeared he looked down at his Animax partner.
"What's wrong Jungle Max? Why did you stop?"
The lion Animax sniffed the air and growled. Max frowned. "He says that he smells something strange nearby."
"We should check it out. Someone might need help" said Heater.
"I agree" said Max. "Okay partner, take us there."
Jungle Max growled affirmatively and started driving again. It took only a few moments to arrive at the source of the strange scent. The sight that greeted them brought him to a halt once again. Heater covered her mouth in horror and Max stared in shock.
In front of them was a scene of utter devastation. For as far as they could see the trees had shed their leaves, leaving the ground covered in brown mulch. Their bark was cracked and rotten. The bushes and shrubs were all brown and withered. What little grass could be seen was a dull yellow.
"What happened here?" Max exclaimed.
A high squealing filled the air. With a weak sputtering of its engine a rabbit ani-mini drove out from under a rock. They could see that its fur was patchy and there were numerous blisters on its skin. Without hesitation Heater leapt to the ground and ran over to it.
"Heater wait!" Max called, but she didn't react. He also jumped down and hurried over as she crouched in front of the ani-mini and whispered gentle reassurances to it. As he got closer he could see more ani-minis, including badgers, moles and foxes. They all looked as ill as the rabbit. Not only that but their engines were badly corroded.
"Be careful" said Max as he crouched besides Heater. "Don't touch it, whatever happened to them could be contagious."
"I know" she replied. "Max, I think I know what caused this. If we get them to the Jungle Lair I can help them. I know its location is a secret…"
"Heater, there's no-one I trust more than you" he said. "We'll go and get Humungous Hauler to transport the ani-minis to the Lair."
"I'll wait here" she said. "Jungle Max can get there faster with just his partner."
"All right. We'll return as quickly as we can." With that Max raced back to Jungle Max and zoomed away.
True to his word Max returned moments later. With him were the other Road Tamers, Tiger Trakker, Rhinox, Tuskor, and their Animax, Turbo Tiger, Rhino Rammer and Humungous Hauler. Tarmac and Power Horse were off on patrol.
"My goodness. You told us what happened Max but this is even worse than I imagined" said Tiger Trakker as he surveyed the desolate sight before him.
"Exactly" Max agreed. "Everybody help get the ani-minis onto Humungous Hauler. And hurry. They won't last much longer."
"No offence Heater but are you sure about this?" Tiger Trakker asked her as the others helped the sickened ani-minis aboard the elephant Animax. "If the Motor Mutants find out you've been to the Jungle Lair it could put you in danger."
"Every human is in danger from the Motor Mutants" she replied. "Besides I couldn't live with myself if I let the ani-minis suffer because I was afraid to take a risk."
"That's the spirit" said Max encouragingly. "Okay, we're ready to go. Let's get these little guys some help."