For those of you who battled last year, you might remember a small group of gym leaders who banded together to provide a difficult challenge to those who felt up to the task. That group referred to themselves as the Four Horsemen of the PPL, and it looks like they’re back again this year. Here is a letter that they asked us to pass on to all of you:
Last year, I assembled a group of some of the absolute best trainers the world has to offer and laid down a challenge to all of you. It was simple, really. Step up to the plate and take the 4 of us down. Challenger after challenger stepped up, but the Four Horsemen knocked most of them down. As I sent one would be superstar trainer after another packing in disappointment, I was left with only one feeling… boredom. So many of you tried to showcase your skills, thinking you had what it took to complete the Four Horsemen Challenge, only to be shown the door with your tail between your legs. Was this the best the Challengers of the PAX Pokémon League really had to offer?
As another PAX East approaches, I find myself once again looking for a true challenge. Something I can sink my battling teeth into. Someone worthy of going all out against in glorious Pokémon combat. But I don’t want to sift through the wave of mediocrity to find it. That is where this year’s Four Horsemen come in.
This time, I am not one of them. Rather, I am the one sending them into battle in an attempt to weed out the weak and funnel the strongest trainers out there in my direction. The task again is simple, but with one added twist this year. Take down the Four Horsemen. Acquire their badges and show them to me. I’ll have the ultimate challenge waiting for you. If you can manage to defeat me here, you’ll prove yourself worthy to display the Symbol of Excellence.
Don’t get me wrong, you can challenge me without defeating the Horsemen first. I have a few squads of Dragons waiting for you and you can earn the Paragon badge for showing your battling fortitude. But to pass the ultimate test, you need to prove yourself. The Symbol of Excellence is only for those who can play the Horsemen’s game and come out on top.
I know you’re rubbing your hands together thinking of how you’re going to claim glory. Don’t get ahead of yourself. You haven’t even heard who the Four Horsemen are this time. We have a few new faces in the fold. But the battling prowess remains the same.
First of all, we have the man that runs this neighborhood: Mr. Rogers. For years, he set the standard for kids all around the world. Now, he’s here to set the standard for battling and measure your friendship with your Pokemon.
Next, we have a returning member of the Four Horsemen: Red. He does look a little different than I remember him, and this time he brought a friend with him in Blue. You’ll have to tackle this duo of battle legends together to earn their badge. Do you really think you have what it takes to take down two of the best Pokémon battlers the world has ever seen?
Last, but not least, is the man of the Loud House: Lincoln Loud. Battling in his family’s honor, he’s ready to take on all comers. I wouldn’t doubt the toughness of a dude that grew up in a house with 10 sisters. He’ll be ready to roll with the Four Horsemen.
So, there you have it. Four Horsemen, three badges, one challenge that only the best can conquer. Think you’ve got what it takes? Step up to the Four Horsemen and prove it. I’ll be waiting.
-Alexander