Better Than We Found It

**Better Than We Found It** is the fourth and final part of "The Emperor's Wrath" and the forty-eight episode overall of *Monkie Kid*.

## Synopsis

Short Description
It's all over! The New Jade Emperor's power is completely out of control and the universe tearing apart before our heroes' eyes!

## Plot

Denizens of the Mortal Realm were left in a state of terror as the fabric of the universe began to unravel before them. Amidst the chaos, Peng endeavored to advise Mei and Macaque that no one should ever be the sole combatant to retreat in battle. Mei, however, was incensed by this suggestion, whereas Macaque opted to simply let Peng go, citing the latter's propensity for cowardice. Yet, as Macaque began to turn away, Peng charged toward him. In response, Macaque summoned forth the Smoke Monster while Mei used her Dracokinesis, which caused Peng to take flight. Macaque recommended that they regroup with the others, and Mei utilized her abilities to transport her and Macaque back to the Shuilian Cave.

Pigsy, Sandy, Tang, and Yellowtusk were discussing the repercussions of Azure Lion's actions. Tang was concern about the universe being destroyed by Azure's doings, saying that everyone will die if they don't stop Azure. Yellowtusk believes that it's too late and that the damage can't be undone. Sandy informs Yellowtusk that they don't give up easily. Pigsy agrees and mentions the team's saying, there's always hope as long as they're standing. Yellowtusk finds their optimism dangerous but is open to the idea. He returns the ancestral weapons to the three, exciting them as they obtained their Power-up armor since they got the weapons back. Tang uses his powers to transport them to the Shuilian Cave.

Despite Azure holding Monkey King responsible for the turmoil, MK firmly believed that Monkey King was innocent. In a timely manner, Monkey King arrived with the Scroll of Memory, prompting Azure to launch an attack. However, Monkey King implored Azure to stop, acknowledging that Azure had emerged victorious and would soon destroy the whole universe. However, Azure denied intending to cause such destruction and insisted that there was still a chance fix things, which was why he came in the first place. As Azure Lion mentioned this, Monkey King questioned how he was present in Flower Fruit Mountain. Azure Lion responded in confusion, wondering why such a question was asked. Monkey King clarified that he had banished Azure in the Underworld and was curious about how he escaped and obtained the Scroll of Memory, certain that Azure Lion did not steal the scroll. Monkey King soon realized that someone else who provided the scroll to him. Monkey King warned Azure that whoever gave him the scroll wanted the universe to be destroyed and used him to carry it out. Azure Lion sadly expressed his desire to improve the world, but MK encouraged him that he's the only one to rectify the situation. Azure Lion summoned his sword and began to reverse the damage he caused, leading to his own demise.

     MK and Monkey King were overwhelmed by a deep sense of remorse. However, their regret was momentarily overshadowed by the sight of the Power of the Jade Emperor, which was going out of control. In a desperate attempt to contain the force, Ne Zha devised a seal. Meanwhile, Tang assumed the responsibility of restoring the Shuilian Cave, and he was profoundly moved by the unwavering support of those around him, who willingly lent a helping hand. As the cave was finally restored and the power sealed, the entire team gathered together. Filled with genuine concern for MK's well-being, Monkey King and the Monkie Kids approached him, asking about his condition. Despite their genuine concern, MK explained that he was fine, alleviating their worries.

The Monkie Kids, Monkey King, and Ne Zha convened at the cliffside at Flower Fruit Mountain. Tang inquires about the efficacy of the seal in containing the Power of the Jade Emperor. Ne Zha responds with regret, stating that the seal is not foolproof but it's the only option. However, Ne Zha assured that he will protect the power for the time being. But Monkey King makes a casual remark about the last time Ne Zha guarded something. Ne Zha also mentioned his intention to free the people trapped within the Scroll of Memory by Azure and return the artifact to the Underworld so it won't not be misused again. Yellowtusk acknowledged the noble intentions of the Brotherhood and their desire to create a better world, which they sought to protect. However, it was regrettable how long it took him to recognize the true qualities of heroes by seeing the Monkie Kids and Monkey King. Ne Zha then teleported himself and Yellowtusk to the Celestial Realm. MK asked Monkey King if he ever wish things stay as they are. Monkey King mentioned that would be boring, much to Tang's annoyance. Mei's assertion that the team were able to fix things rather than destroying it was met with MK's response that so long as the world was left better than they found it, all is well.

After a while, Monkey King, the Monkie Kids and the Demon Bull Family had a beach party at Flower Fruit Mountain. As MK rushed towards the ocean after putting on sunscreen, Monkey King advises him to allow the sunscreen be absorb first. Pigsy mentions MK's inclination to disregard advice regarding sunscreen, to which Monkey King confirms their lighthearted demeanor. Monkey King then noticed someone was blocking the sun and realizes it's Macaque. Macaque thanked him for the invite, but Monkey King sarcastically responded by thanking him for showing up uninvited. Monkey King handed Macaque a peach popsicle and they both acknowledge the universe's impending doom. Despite this, Monkey King decide to enjoy the present moment and mentioned that they will handle it together.

Meanwhile, in the Underworld, the Kings gather for a meeting. The leader of the Kings initiates an extensive investigation into the theft of the Scroll of Memory and deliberates on the necessary actions to be taken in the wake of the Jade Emperor's dethronement. The King emphasizes if any of them is found out to be responsible for the universe's doom, he will face severe consequences. However, the punishment awaiting the culprit is nothing compared to the catastrophic fate that awaits the entire universe if their plan succeeds. As this unfolds, the perpetrator brazenly left the Underworld Temple, and a crack materialized in the Underworld's sky.

## Features

### Characters

**Main:**

* Macaque
* Mei
* MK
* Monkey King
* Ne Zha
* Pigsy
* Sandy
* Tang
* Yellowtusk

**Supporting:**

* Acolyte
* Chang'e
* Demon Bull King
* Kings of the Underworld
* Little girl
* Little girl's new cat
* Master Subodhi
* Master Subodhi's students
* Mo
* Princess Iron Fan
* Red Son
* Smoke Monster

**Antagonists:**

* Azure Lion
* Peng

### Locations

* Celestial Realm
	+ Celestial Palace
* China
	+ Flower Fruit Mountain
		- Beach
		- Shuilian Cave
	+ Pigsy's Noodles
	+ Temple of the Tilted Moon and Three Stars
* Moon
	+ Chang'e's Moon base
* Underworld

### Objects

* Ancestral weapons
* Azure Lion's sword
* Dragon Blade
* Golden Staff
* Ji
* Macaque's staff
* Magic Fan
* Mallet
* Ne Zha's spear
* Peach popsicles
* Scroll of Memory
* Sunscreen
* Tape

### Abilities

* Dracokinesis
* Magic cloud
* Pyrokinesis
* Shadows

### Species

* Cats
* Deities
* Demons
* Fish
* Humans
* Monkeys
* Mystic Monkeys
* Pigs

## Names in other languages

 **Mandarin** | **逆转定乾坤** | Translates to **Reversing the Universe**.

## Trivia

* During the announcement of *The Emperor's Wrath*'s release date on June 16, 2023, this episode was accidentally released on HappyKids and the LEGO Channel before the other parts of the special. It was unlisted a few hours later.
* It was revealed that Scroll of Memory wasn't actually stolen by Monkey King like Azure Lion said in "New Adventures."
* When Ne Zha says he will secure the Jade Emperor's power, Monkey King calls back to "On the Run", implying the time he stole the Map to the Rings of Samadhi under Ne Zha's guard.
* It was revealed that Azure Lion was not imprisoned in the Scroll of Memory but rather banished to the Underworld by Monkey King. This revelation was initially hinted at in "The Brotherhood", where it was suggested that Azure Lion's defeat was distinct from that of Peng and Yellowtusk. Furthermore, it was stated that escaping from the Scroll of Memory prior to "Pitiful Creatures" was impossible due to the protective curse, thus providing further evidence that Azure Lion's defeat followed a different course.
* While Monkey King and Macaque's outfits in the ending beach scene are mainly referencing clothes worn by Vegeta and Goku in *Dragon Ball Z*, they also reference artwork done by writer and director Sarah Harper in 2021.
* The credits of this episode reveal that the Scroll of Memory's creators are the Kings of the Underworld, who are based on the Ten Courts of Yanluo from Chinese mythology. The fact that the Scroll of Memory was initially made to punish its prisoners for their misdeeds also references how Ten Courts of Yanluo punish those for their crimes after their death.
	+ The Mandarin dub adds a sinister laugh at the end of the king's monologue.
* The storyboards of the beach scene end with audio of a scene from the movie *Barbie* (2023).

## Characters' roles

### Protagonists

* The Monkie Kids, Macaque, Monkey King, Ne Zha, and Yellowtusk are the main protagonists of this episode.
	+ They all helped save the world from total destruction.
	+ MK and Monkey King convinced Azure Lion to save the world.
	+ Macaque, Mei, Pigsy, Sandy, Tang, and Yellowtusk combined their powers together to keep Flower Fruit Mountain from splitting apart.
	+ Ne Zha helped seal the power of the Jade Emperor away safely.
	+ Yellowtusk was convinced by Pigsy, Sandy, and Tang to not give up and gave back their ancestral weapons. He was also arrested for The Brotherhood's crimes afterwards.

### Antagonists

* Azure Lion is the main antagonist of this episode.
	+ He almost attacked Monkey King but soon realized he was just a pawn for someone else. He accepted that he couldn't fix the world in his ideal and sacrificed himself.
* Peng is a secondary antagonist of the episode.
	+ They flew away when the results of the battle weren't going to plan.

## References

1. ↑ Roku (2023-07-08). Better Than We Found It. Roku.
2. ↑ Harper, Sarah (June 3, 2023). (*Who still remembers that this is the clothing setting that the official animator Sarah had already drawn during the 2021 live broadcast of this painting?!!*)lol (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ\*:･ﾟ✧.
3. ↑ Jacobson, Ashe (August 15, 2023). BEACH PARTY! I swear we tried for so long to get a beach scene in an episode so when we finally got the chance I jumped on it. The squad finally gets a vacay at the end of a long adventure <3 Plus: bonus post-credits footage???.