Chapter 36: Asia II
12:24 pm (USA time: 12:24 am) in Jerusalem. Our heroes are flying above the place. Sonic is so impressed with the site the most as he looks at the sights with binoculars and pictures.
"Wow, Sonic. You're interested in Jerusalem," said Tikal.
"Well, it's the home of Jesus Christ. I'm so serious in my Catholic religion," said Sonic.
"I didn't know you are Catholic," said Knuckles.
"Even the writer of the story is, why can't I?"
"I wasn't questioning why you should be one."
"Oh. Hey, Ames. Tell me about Jerusalem."
"In my guidebook, Jerusalem, by the number and diversity of people who have held it sacred, may be considered the holiest city in the world. Jerusalem is important to the Jewish people because it is Ir Ha-Kodesh (the Holy City), the Biblical Zion, the City of David, Solomon's Temple, and the eternal capital of the Israelite nation. Jerusalem is important to Christians because it is where the young Jesus impressed the sages at the Jewish Temple, where he spent the last days of his ministry, and where the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection took place. Jerusalem is important to Muslims because it is where the prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven. After the holy sites of Mecca and Medina, Jerusalem is the third most sacred place of Islam. While highly charged with intense religious devotion and visited by countless pilgrims and sages, Jerusalem has also been ravaged by thirty centuries of warfare and strife. Jerusalem is a holy place with a rich and ancient history."
"Ah, yes. So, Tails, where are we going to stop?"
"Well, the place where we're going is Islamic. We're going to Dome of the Rock," said Tails.
"Dome of the Rock," Amy continues. "The Dome of the Rock is a shrine located on the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem. It was erected by the Muslim ruler Abd el-Malik in 688-691. The Dome of the Rock is the oldest Islamic monument that stands today and certainly one of the most beautiful. The rock over which the shrine was built is sacred to Muslims, Jews, and Christians. The Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam, is traditionally believed to have ascended into heaven from the site. In the Judeo/Christian tradition, it is here that Abraham, the progenitor and first patriarch of the Hebrew people, is said to have prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac. The Dome of the Rock is situated in the center of the Temple Mount, the site where the Jewish First Temple and Second Temple had stood. The Dome's structure and ornamentation are rooted in the Byzantine architectural tradition. Yet, its construction in the 7th century represents an early stage in the emergence of a distinct Islamic visual style."
"Speaking of the Dome of the Rock, I can see it just up ahead," said Cream, sees the destination.
"If my calculations are correct, the battery is on top of the Dome," said Tails, circles the Dome.
"I see it," said Cream, pointing to a 4ft battery on a 4ft plug on the top of it.
"Ok. Girls, go get it," said Sonic.
"You got it, Big Blue," said Tikal, climbs down with Amy and Cream.
When they reached the battery, Cream disables it.
But then Zor appeared right behind the girls and Knuckles as takes out a hand dyer from his backpack, "it's Zor again!"
Then he throws the hand dyer on Zor's head as the girls climb back on the plane.
"That was close," said Amy, gets back in her seat.
"Let's find a hotel before he gains consciences," said Sonic.
In King David Jerusalem Hotel at 12:31 pm (USA time: 12:31 am), the girls are in the pool with Cheese as the guys watch them.
Then Team Chaotix comes at the pool area, and Vector, with glee, says, "Team Sonic! It's been a while!"
"Team Chaotix! What brings you here in Jerusalem," said Sonic, with joy.
"We were here to uncover the mystery of Christ's existence. What about you," said Espio.
"You don't have to do that, guys," said Tails.
"Yeah. Everybody knows he's real," said Knuckles.
"But we need to find real proof. You still haven't told us what brings you here," said Charmy.
"We're saving the world by traveling around the world," said Sonic.
"Sounds like fun."
"But we're man hunted or animal hunted by Eggman because we took a key activate his new plan," said Tails.
"So, you're on the lamb? That's too bad," said Vector.
"Nah, it's cool. We manage to escape anytime he even tried to capture us," said Knuckles.
"Ok. We better get going. Good luck," said Espio, leaves with his team.
"Bye, Team Chaotix," said Tails.
"Hey, Tikal. What souvenir did you get from Israel," said Cream.
"A blue crystal star of David necklace with gold-filled wire wrapping," said Tikal, shows them the necklace.
"Oh! So pretty. I don't know where you keep finding these beautiful souvenirs, but you're doing great," said Amy.
"Everyone, we're going to Jordan; tomorrow at 12 pm," said Tails.