06 Once Upon A Time In Hopeland

Airdate: February 11, 2023
Source: Crunchyroll
Transcribers: Versaphile and deludedfantasy
Subtitle Files: JPN -> ENG Full Subs | English Dub Full Subs | English Dub Forced Subs (on-screen text + lyrics only) – TBD

Summary

When they reach the Sand Steamer The Humpback, Meryl Stryfe and Roberto De Niro stay behind while Vash the Stampede and Nicholas D. Wolfwood go aboard to travel to their final destination, JuLai. Once on board, they are ambushed by Livio, an Eye of Michael assassin and Nicholas’ childhood friend. Flashbacks show the story of how Nicholas and Livio met, and how both ended up victims of William Conrad’s experiments and became members of the Eye of Michael. Meryl convinces Roberto to let them resume their travels with Vash, and follow after The Humpback in their news van, only to end up surrounded by the attacking Bad Lads Gang. Meanwhile, Legato Bluesummers and Zazie the Beast approach in their own car, first watching Vash and Nicholas with interest, then sabotaging the Sand Steamer, changing its path to make it crash into Hopeland Orphanage.

Executioner

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
A man runs through the desert at night, panting desperately. He is wearing a black suit with the Eye of Michael symbol on the front, and a golden, metallic gas mask with a single large glass viewport. He runs through the desert at night.
Fugitive: Forgive me!	Fugitive: Have mercy!
The man crests the rise of a dune, then trips and falls, dropping his semi-automatic rifle. He tumbles down the dune until he lands face down on the bottom and the rifle lands beside him. The shadow of a cross looms over him from the top of the dune. Nicholas D. Wolfwood appears at the top, holding the wrapped Punisher. The man pushes himself up, and there are prominent veins on the back of his neck, and the gas mask appears to be permanently fixed on his head. When the man sees Nicholas, he panics, picks up his rifle, and opens fire. Multiple bullets shred Wolfwood’s chest and he drops the Punisher. His blood drips onto the sand as Wolfwood staggers, then falls to his knees.
Fugitive: Ha! So that’s all for you, executioner.	Fugitive: Hah! Executed the executioner!
Nicholas D. Wolfwood brings a glass vial to his mouth and cracks it open with his teeth. Nicholas stands back up, and raises the unwrapped Punisher. The man, who is walking away, turns at the sound of the Punisher being cocked. Nicholas appears demonic in the moonlight, his eyes red behind his sunglasses. Nicholas aims the Punisher at the man. Wolfwood’s reflection can be seen in the glass of the fugitive’s mask.
Fugitive: Y-You monster…	Fugitive: You monster!
The full moon hangs in the night sky as the air is filled with the sound of gunfire. Nicholas D. Wolfwood walks away across the desert, the cross-shaped shadow of the Punisher stretching out behind him. A large and small moon hang overhead. The TOMBI Opening Credits sequence plays.

This Is Where We Check Out

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
The news van drives across the desert. Meryl Stryfe sits in the driver’s seat, sipping a drink through a straw and listening to the radio.
Radio Host: The authorities have not yet been able to track down the plant thief terrorizing the region. Even red plants scheduled for disposal are being taken, suggesting the culprit behind the spree isn’t well-versed in plant technology.	Radio Host: Authorities are yet to name a suspect. Both fully-functional plants, as well as those that have gone red and marked for disposal are being taken suggesting…
Vash the Stampede and Nicholas D. Wolfwood sit in the backseat, deliberately facing away from each other.
Meryl Stryfe: You guys fight over candy or something?	Meryl Stryfe: (chuckles) Alright, who took whose lunch money?
No one answers Meryl’s question.
Radio Host: The JuLai government continues its search for the key witnesses. The man named Vash—	Radio Host: The JuLai government encourages any witnesses to the crimes to come forward as soon as possible. In other news, Vash—
Roberto De Niro turns off the radio. He turns to speak to Vash the Stampede and Nicholas D. Wolfwood.
Roberto De Niro: You can take the Sand Steamer from the port up ahead to get to JuLai. Meryl Stryfe: Are we leaving the car behind? Roberto De Niro: This is where we check out.	Roberto De Niro: If memory serves, there’s a Sand Steamer that leaves from the port ahead. You’ll be able to ride that puppy straight to JuLai. Meryl Stryfe: So, are we just leaving our car here? Roberto De Niro: We’re leaving our gunmen here, newbie.
Unconcerned, Roberto De Niro sits in the passenger seat, paging through a magazine.
Meryl Stryfe: What? Roberto De Niro: We need to return to headquarters. Gotta write up our article. Meryl Stryfe: But…	Meryl Stryfe: Huh? Roberto De Niro: Gotta get back to headquarters. We could write ten articles on our ol’ pal, now. Meryl Stryfe: Wait, no!
Robert De Niro turns to address the men in the back seat.
Roberto De Niro: You’re fine with that, right?	Roberto De Niro: That good with you, ol’ pal?
Simultaneously, Vash the Stampede and Nicholas D. Wolfwood shrug and grunt in answer. Meryl Stryfe sighs, her eyes reflected in the rearview mirror, displeased with this turn of events.

The Humpback

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
The Sand Steamer port. A tower rises up from the desert, with a massive Sand Steamer parked next to it.
Humpback PA: Last call for boarding. All passengers, please complete boarding procedures and head to the boarding gate.	Humpback PA: Attention all passengers joining us on our voyage to JuLai. This is the final call for boarding. Those that have completed loading procedures, please make your way to the designated gate.
An empty crane arm from the Sand Steamer rises through the air. Containers await loading onto the ship, with workers beside them.
Humpback PA: If you have not yet completed boarding procedures, please speak to an attendant immediately. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping us on schedule.	Humpback PA: If you have not yet completed boarding procedures, please speak to your nearest attendant immediately. It’s your cooperation that allows our mighty ship to stay on schedule.
Vash the Stampede, carrying his duffel bag, and Nicholas D. Wolfwood, carrying the wrapped Punisher, walk across the bridge to board the Sand Steamer.
Nicholas D. Wolfwood: I though you guys were buddies. Humpback PA: Please note that this is both a cargo and passenger ship. Vash the Stampede: No way. Nicholas D. Wolfwood: No? How cold. Humpback PA: Thank you for traveling via Sand Steamer today.	Nicholas D. Wolfwood: I thought you three had something special. Humpback PA: Vash the Stampede: Yeah, not really. Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Stone cold, Needle-Noggin. Stone cold. Humpback PA:

Worth Risking Our Lives

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
From the ground, Meryl Stryfe watches the two gunmen cross the bridge. She turns to Roberto De Niro, who is standing, leaning against the news van cargo trailer, and smoking.
Meryl Stryfe: I don’t understand! Roberto De Niro: Didn’t think you would. Meryl Stryfe: How can we let the Humanoid Typhoon get away?	Meryl Stryfe: What are we doing? Roberto De Niro: I’m smoking. You? Meryl Stryfe: We finally have some semblance of dirt on him, and we’re gonna let him get away?
Meryl Stryfe pulls out the photograph of Vash the Stampede with Baby Rollo and shows it to Roberto De Niro.
Roberto De Niro: He’s too much trouble. What kind of monster looks the same for twenty years? Meryl Stryfe: Are you scared? Roberto De Niro: Say what you will.	Roberto De Niro: I’m out, newbie. What kind of monster looks the same for twenty years? Meryl Stryfe: You’re just scared, aren’t you? Roberto De Niro: That’s beside the point.
Roberto De Niro drops his cigarette and stomps it out.
Roberto De Niro: We’re writing for a tabloid. Nothing worth risking our lives over.	Roberto De Niro: I won’t risk our lives just to churn out some piece of tabloid fluff.
Meryl Stryfe sighs, lowering her head and the photograph. Roberto rubs an awkward hand over his head. In the background, armed JuLai military police pass in formation. Meryl advances on Roberto, getting in his face.
Meryl Stryfe: Then it’s okay if we’re not risking our lives? Roberto De Niro: (sighs) You’re such a…	Meryl Stryfe: So, if we aren’t risking our lives, we can stay? Roberto De Niro: (sighs) You’re a pain in my ass.

Boarding

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
The Sand Steamer lets out steam and a loud, low whistle. The loading bridge pulls away. A worker waving two orange rods directs the Sand Steamer as it pulls away from the port. People stand on the platform waving goodbye to the people on the Sand Steamer.
Humpback PA: Thank you for boarding the Humpback, bound to cross the Great Sand Ocean.	Humpback PA: Thank you for joining us as we journey across the Great Sand Ocean. As always, thank you for choosing to travel on the Humpback.
Inside the Sand Steamer, passengers unpacking their belongings and settle in on their bunks.
Humpback PA: This ship is one of the largest Sand Steamers on Noman’s Land.	Humpback PA: We are proud to operate one of the largest Sand Steamers in all of Noman’s Land.
Lines of armed JuLai military police march down the corridor in single file. While walking up a staircase, they pass a door that has wooden planks nailed across it. The planks have “danger” and “keep out” spray painted on them.
Humpback PA: Our plant is one of the most powerful in the world,	Humpback PA: On board our great ship is one of the world’s most powerful plants.
A man in a white lab coat stands on a walkway in front of a blue, closed plant in a huge tank inside a massive chamber. He is holding a tablet. Metal railings line the walkway.
Humpback PA: meaning safety and peace of mind for our passengers.	Humpback PA: This allows us to ensure our passengers a safe and peaceful ride.
A map of Noman’s Land shows the Humpback’s charted course from the terminal to JuLai. An arrow moves from the Terminal to JuLai to illustrate this, passing by Hopeland Orphanage in the middle. In a waiting area, a group of passengers sit on chairs below the display, and watch the map.
Humpback PA: Our destination is the third city of JuLai on the other side of the Great Sand Ocean.	Humpback PA: Our destination this sunny afternoon is the third city of JuLai. If you need anything on the way, look for a nearby attendant.
In the waiting area, Livio, a man in a gray suit, stands up and walks out. In each hand, he holds a battered grey suitcase. He is wearing black gloves with white crosses on them. His face can’t be seen.
Humpback PA: Please sit back and enjoy the voyage.	Humpback PA: Now sit back, relax, and enjoy the voyage.

I’m Your Babysitter

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
The Sand Steamer leaves behind a trail of smoke above it and wide tracks below it as it travels across the open desert. Vash the Stampede stands on the main deck of the Sand Steamer, leaning against the railing and looking out into the desert.
Vash the Stampede: What’s your endgame? Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Huh?	Vash the Stampede: So, what’s your endgame? Nicholas D. Wolfwood: In what?
Nicholas D. Wolfwood stands next to Vash the Stampede, a smoking cigarette in his hand. Behind them is the top section of the Sand Steamer, all grey metal, and a lamp post.
Vash the Stampede: You’re following me around. Nicholas D. Wolfwood: I’m your babysitter. You’re a spoiled brat who can’t even kill bad guys. You should be thanking me.	Vash the Stampede: In following me around. Nicholas D. Wolfwood: I’m like a cool big brother. You won’t smash the bullies’ skulls, so it falls to me. I wouldn’t mind a thank you or two.
Nicholas D. Wolfwood takes a drag from his cigarette and blows the smoke out. Behind them, a man and woman are seen standing at the opposite railing.
Vash the Stampede: You don’t get to choose who lives and dies. Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Still going on about that?	Vash the Stampede: (sighs) You don’t get to decide who lives and who dies. Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Still holding the moral high ground, huh?
Nicholas D. Wolfwood has the wrapped Punisher to his left, propped against the railing. Vash the Stampede’s duffel bag is on the deck to his right. The two stand at the railing a few feet apart from each other. A man and a woman pass by in the foreground.
Male Passenger: Let’s have tea over there. Female Passenger: Sure. Vash the Stampede: Don’t you have something you want to protect more than anything else, too? Nicholas D. Wolfwood: (sighs) Enough already.	Male Passenger: Let’s sit and have some tea. Female Passenger: Sounds good. Vash the Stampede: Come on. Don’t you have something you want to protect more than anything else too? Nicholas D. Wolfwood: (sighs) Oh, stuff it, blondie.
Livio walks down a corridor. The back of his suit jacket is emblazoned with the black symbol of the Eye of Michael. As he walks, the sound of Nicholas D. Wolfwood talking grows closer.
Nicholas D. Wolfwood: The only reason you’ve survived this long is because other people died instead. Vash the Stampede: That’s not what I mean, and you know it.	Nicholas D. Wolfwood: The reason you’ve survived this long is because there’s always some poor sap there to die instead. Vash the Stampede: That’s not what I was talking about at all. You know that.
Livio walks out onto the main deck of the Sand Steamer.
Nicholas D. Wolfwood: What? I don’t get you at all. All I hear is more talk.	Nicholas D. Wolfwood: What the—? Oh please, don’t get all pissy! I’m done with your self-righteous attitude.
Livio opens the suitcases and drops them. He’s holding two cross-shaped semi automatic guns. A black flag with the symbol of JuLai waves in the breeze, suddenly changing direction. A man pushing a laundry cart full of bedsheets passes by Nicholas D. Wolfwood and Vash the Stampede. The wind picks up some of the sheets and blows them past the two men.
Nicholas D. Wolfwood: If you can’t even wipe your own ass, any point you try to make is…	Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Until you can be a big boy and take out your own trash, I’m through listening to—
Nicholas D. Wolfwood turns around and goes still. From behind a fluttering white sheet, he sees Livio* approaching them, and looks alarmed.*
Nicholas D. Wolfwood:	Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Huh?
Livio has long silver hair tied up in a ponytail, and golden eyes. On the left side of his face is a skull-shaped half mask that magnifies his left eye. He flicks his wrist and extends the guns into a firing position.
Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Run, Needle-noggin!	Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Run the hell away!
Vash the Stampede turns and sees Livio as he points his guns at them. A white sheet floats in front of him, obscuring him from view. Livio fires, shredding the white sheet. He flips the guns to reload them. When the sheet falls to the ground, all that’s there is Vash’s duffel bag. Vash appears to the right of Livio, his gun pointed inches away from Livio’s face. Livio attacks Vash, firing at him, which Vash dodges. The two tangle and Vash punches him with his prosthetic hand, then punches him with his right, throwing Livio back with incredible force. When Nicholas D. Wolfwood sees Livio lying on his back, he approaches him with the unwrapped Punisher.
Nicholas D. Wolfwood: What gives? What are you doing here…	Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Why now? What are you doing here?
Livio blinks and Nicholas D. Wolfwood gasps. Title card: #06 Once Upon a Time in Hopeland
Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Livio?	Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Livio?

Crybaby Livio

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
A town sits at the base of a mesa. On top of the mesa is the rusting remains of a SEEDS spaceship, and on top of the hull, beneath a golden bell, is Hopeland Orphanage. In the distance, a Sand Steamer passes through the desert. The golden bell tolls. A child holds onto an adult’s hand. The front of Hopeland Orphanage has large glass windows, and the building appears to be made of local stone. The symbol of the Eye of Michael is on its tower, and above the front entrance. Ms. Melanie and Child Livio, a small silver-haired child, are walking towards the entrance.
Woman: (on-screen text) Everyone! Here’s a new friend.	Woman: (on-screen text) Everyone! Here’s a new friend.
The orphanage courtyard is an open square surrounded by sand-colored stone walls with large windows. The golden bell is visible overhead. Ms. Melanie and Child Livio enter. Nine orphans are scattered through the courtyard, sitting or standing alone or in pairs. Child Nicholas D. Wolfwood sits beside a toma pen with a feed pail beside him. He is holding a blue toma chick. He turns to look at Child Livio.
Woman: (on-screen text) His name is Livio.	Woman: (on-screen text) His name is Livio.
A room full of sleeping children lie in a room packed with beds. Moonlight coming through the windows illuminates Child Livio and Child Nicholas. Child Livio cries softly while a boy with dark hair and skin sleeps beside him.
Child Livio: (on-screen text) Mommy… Daddy…	Child Livio: (on-screen text) Mommy… Daddy…
In the second patch of moonlight, Child Nicholas D. Wolfwood lies awake in bed, arms behind his head, listening to Livio cry. The silhouette of the golden bell, beside a crescent moon. Child Livio sits huddled alone on a cliff’s edge crying.
Child Nicholas D. Wolfwood: (on-screen text) Oh, here you are.	Child Nicholas D. Wolfwood: (on-screen text) Oh, here you are.
Child Nicholas D. Wolfwood stands over Child Livio. Child Livio looks up, a tear falling from his golden eye, before he curls forward again and continues crying. Child Nicholas runs to the edge of the cliff, slips, and falls off. Child Livio gasps in shock and, no longer crying, runs over to see if he’s okay. Meanwhile, Child Nicholas is hanging upside down on an outcropping of rock by his knees. He sticks out his tongue before swinging himself back up in front of Child Livio. He holds out his hand to Child Livio.
Child Nicholas D. Wolfwood: (on-screen text) The name’s Nicholas D. Wolfwood.	Child Nicholas D. Wolfwood: (on-screen text) The name’s Nicholas D. Wolfwood.
Toma chicks run through the pen while Child Livio and Child Nicholas D. Wolfwood watch on. Child Nicholas sets down a pail full of feed as Child Livio looks on in wonder. Child Livio cups a handful of feed in both his hands and with a happy smile, bends down to feed the chicks who run up to him. With a smile, Child Nicholas gives him a thumbs up.
Child Nicholas D. Wolfwood: (on-screen text) You’re finally smiling, crybaby Livio.	Child Nicholas D. Wolfwood: (on-screen text) You’re finally smiling, crybaby Livio.
Child Nicholas D. Wolfwood flicks on a lighter. Holding up a worm leg, he inhales, then breathes out smoke, smirking, before handing the “cigarette” to Child Livio. The two boys are sitting against the wall of a shed. Child Livio inhales, then chokes, coughing up a cloud of smoke.
Ms. Melanie: (on-screen text) What are you brats doing?!	Ms. Melanie: (on-screen text) What are you brats doing?!
Ms. Melanie comes out brandishing a spoon, startling the boys. Child Nicholas D. Wolfwood grabs Child Livio’s hand and they race away, laughing. The sun is just setting over Hopeland. Lying on his back, Child Nicholas blinks awake then looks down. Gently snoring, Child Livio is asleep on his stomach, Child Nicholas’ shirt clutched in his fist. The edge of the bell can be seen just above them.

Drop Your Weapons

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
In the present, Livio fires relentlessly at Vash the Stampede, bullet casings flying from his guns. He gets up and pushes past Nicholas D. Wolfwood, running after Vash.
Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Stop, Livio! Don’t kill him!	Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Stop, Livio! He’s not who hurt you!
Vash the Stampede evades Livio’s bullets and ducks into a passageway. Livio shoots down the passageway as Vash hops from metal container to metal container. When Vash emerges on the other side, he’s faced by multiple soldiers.
Soldier 6-A: Is this the reported location? Soldier 6-G: Don’t move! Soldier 6-A: Drop your weapon! Soldier 6-B: What are you doing?! Resist and we’ll shoot! Vash the Stampede: Don’t come over here!	Soldier 6-A: Are we in the right place? Soldier 6-B: There he is! Soldier 6-A: Drop your weapon! Soldier 6-B: Listen to the man! Resist and we’ll shoot! Vash the Stampede: You’ve gotta stay back!
Livio comes around the corner and fires at Vash the Stampede. Vash deflects the bullets with his prosthetic arm and runs away, throwing himself over the railing as Livio continues firing. The soldiers approach Livio.
Soldier 6-A: Hey! You, too! Drop your weapons!	Soldier 6-A: That goes for you too! Drop your weapons!
Livio pauses, the gun in his right hand lowering slightly.
Soldier 6-A: What are you doing?! Answer me!	Soldier 6-A: The hell are you doing?! Answer me!
Livio’s left eye turns towards the soldiers. His mask gives a soft beep.

Let This Go

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
Against a purple-pink twilight sky, the news van crests a sand dune. It glides through the air before crashing back down on the sand and fishtailing.
Roberto De Niro: Wh-Wh-Whoa! Watch it! You trying to get fired in your first year? Meryl Stryfe: I get it. Roberto De Niro: The repair costs alone would– Meryl Stryfe: I get it. I’ll drive safely.	Roberto De Niro: Yeesh, watch it, newbie! Keep driving like that and you’ll be sacked before year two! Meryl Stryfe: Understood, sir. Roberto De Niro: You might be paying to fix this beater. Meryl Stryfe: Understood, sir. I’ll drive more safely.
Inside the car, Meryl Stryfe is bent over the wheel with an intense focus while Roberto De Niro looks on, annoyed.
Roberto De Niro: No, you don’t. I’m saying to let this go. Meryl Stryfe: I get it. Roberto De Niro: Fine! Just remember that this is an undercover report. Meryl Stryfe: I get it! Roberto De Niro: Pull out at the first sign of trouble, you hear? Meryl Stryfe: I get it!	Roberto De Niro: Shit, if you “understood” a thing about our world, you’d let him go. Meryl Stryfe: Understood, sir. Roberto De Niro: (grunts in frustration) Newbie! This is an undercover report, you got me? Meryl Stryfe: Understood, sir! Roberto De Niro: And we pull out at the first sign of trouble, hear me? Meryl Stryfe: Understood, sir!
Roberto De Niro groans deeply and rolls his eyes.
Roberto De Niro: Do you really?	Roberto De Niro: Ugh. That in one, and out the other, huh?
From behind them on both sides, the neon lights of the Bad Lads Gang’s sand gliders appear. The laughs of the Bad Lads Gang echo around them. Roberto De Niro puts a hand to his face.
Roberto De Niro: Man, this is just the worst.	Roberto De Niro: Jeez. Our luck’s in the crapper.
Whooping and cheering, the Bad Lads overtake the truck, surrounding Meryl Stryfe and Roberto De Niro. Meryl screams. Bumper/Eyecatch: A map, labeled SEVEN CITIES UNION MAP. A red dot marks Terminal.

Child Of Blessing

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
A truck, like the one William Conrad was driving in Bright Light, Shine Through The Darkness, pulls up in front of Hopeland Orphanage. A group of five golden-masked figures—three men and two women—in suits bearing the Eye of Michael symbol enter the orphanage. Child Nicholas D. Wolfwood is crouched down, feeding toma chicks, when they enter. The middle figure holds up a red piece of paper with the Eye of Michael symbol drawn on it in black.
Masked Figure: (on-screen text) You must be Nicholas.	Masked Figure: (on-screen text) You must be Nicholas.
A closeup of the red paper with the Eye of Michael symbol.
Masked Figure: (on-screen text) You’ve passed the selection test.	Masked Figure: (on-screen text) You’ve passed the selection test.
The masked figures clap as Child Nicholas D. Wolfwood watches them skeptically.
Masked Figure: (on-screen text) Congratulations, child of blessing.	Masked Figure: (on-screen text) Congratulations, child of blessing.
Hopeland Orphanage’s bell rings as Ms. Melanie and the other children gather outside the front door to see off Child Nicholas D. Wolfwood. Child Nicholas stands between the Eye of Michael operatives and looks down sadly. The other orphans laugh and wave while Ms. Melanie frowns. Child Livio isn’t anywhere to be seen in the crowd. One of the operatives puts a hand on Child Nicholas’s back and guides him away. The orphanage is seen from a distance. Title Card: Test Subject HL1-06 Chemical Aptitude: S+ A pink light bulb grows and shrinks between two blue light bulbs that grow and shrink in counterpoint to it. More light bulbs in psychedelic colors appear, growing and shrinking in the same pattern. Child Nicholas gasps and pants. He is strapped to a table, a masked helmet covering his entire face. Tubes and IV lines are attached to him, various chemicals from a giant psychedelically colored machine flowing into him.
William Conrad: In addition to repairing any damage done to your body, this drug rebuilds and strengthens your cells.	William Conrad: In addition to repairing any bodily damage you’ve accumulated over the years, this drug rebuilds and strengthens your cells.
A circular white light above him throbs, blue vials appearing one by one along the inside perimeter.
William Conrad: It can heal any wound.	William Conrad: Any wound you receive will be healed in seconds.
Child Nicholas D. Wolfwood pants and gasps in pain.
William Conrad: Sounds like a dream, right?	William Conrad: A dream come true, yes?
The image inside the white circle changes, vials replaced by Child Livio, who is waving and laughing. The image cycles through different saturated colors from pink to blue to purple.
Child Livio: Nico! Nico!	Child Livio: Nico! Nico, come back!
Now, the inside of the circle is black and the silhouettes of waving orphans replace Livio, colored in reds, blues, and greens.
Orphans: Nico! Nico!	Orphans: Play with us! Please, Nico?
The circle collapses on itself and transforms into a lily flower, then a caterpillar, a cocoon, and finally a butterfly. All throughout, Child Nicholas D. Wolfwood gasps and pants in pain.
William Conrad: The accelerated growth comes at a price, but…	William Conrad: This accelerated growth, as with all good things, comes at a price.
Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood gasps and his single exposed eye flys open. Again, we see him from above. He’s strapped to a cross shaped table, wires and tubes, emerging from him. Now, everything is colored in sterile white and grays. His body is outlined in dark sprays of blood. His physical age is now around 18-20.
Male Black Suit A: He’s grown so much in just a few months. Male Black Suit C: An unavoidable side effect. Male Black Suit B: How terrible… Male Black Suit C: What a monster.	Male Black Suit B: Just a few months, and he’s grown so much. Male Black Suit C: As expected, he’s doing well. Male Black Suit D: He’s a monster. Male Black Suit C: Agreed.

Runner

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood grunts and pulls up a gray tile. Hidden beneath it is a pile of blue vials. He chuckles and smiles upon seeing just how many vials he has collected. He’s in a gray windowless cell and dressed in an orange shirt and pants. In the hallway outside, the Eye of Michael symbol is painted on the wall. Wolfwood grunts and breaks down the door of his cell. An alarm blares and starts flashing red. Two Eye of Michael black suits run out holding guns.
Black Suit A: We’ve got a runner! Is that…	Black Suit A: We’ve got a runner! Hold on, is that…?
Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood is crouching, panting, on all fours in a pile of glass and metal, all that remains of the door of his cell. He gathers his remaining blue vials and stands.
Black Suit A: Hey! Don’t move!	Black Suit A: Hey! Don’t move!
Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood turns and runs as one of the black suits opens fire.
Black Suit B: Hold it!	Black Suit B: Stop, you fool!
Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood races down the hallway as the guns fire at him. William Conrad can be seen standing on a walkway above him, and he looks over the railing to see what the commotion is. Meanwhile, the black suits cut off Nicholas and shoot at him, hitting him in the chest. Nicholas falls down.
Black Suit C: Stop! William Conrad: What are you doing?! Don’t hurt him! He’s a test subject!	Black Suit C: You’re done! William Conrad: Don’t hurt him! He’s a subject! Stop this at once!
Groaning, Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood lies face down in a pool of his own blood. He grabs one of the vials he dropped when he fell and brings it to his mouth. Struggling, he breaks it open with his teeth. There are now blood stains and bullet holes in his orange outfit. Steam rises from his body as William Conrad pushes between the two black suits to get a better look at him. He gasps with awe.
William Conrad: How splendid…	William Conrad: Splendid, my boy.
Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood stands, swaying on his feet for a moment before launching himself forward at a run. He dodges past the black suits and William Conrad, then jumps high in the air to the massive window behind them, a hand reaching out to the glass.
Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood: I’m going back to the orphanage!	Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood: I’m going back! I’m going home!
Just as the tips of Nicholas D. Wolfwood’s fingers reach the glass, his arm bends backwards unnaturally and breaks. As Wolfwood screams in pain, his body is contorted into unnatural shapes as he hangs in the air.

Legato Bluesummers

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood is once again in a gray cell. He lies face down on the ground. In front of him, the doors slide open revealing the silhouette of Younger Legato Bluesummers, dressed all in white, the light shining bright and strong behind him.
Younger Legato Bluesummers: How is he maintaining his own will? S+ boy…	Younger Legato Bluesummers: And somehow, you maintain your own will. The child deemed S plus.
Grunting, Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood struggles to get his arms under him.
Younger Legato Bluesummers: You have a gift. Starting today, you shall join the Eye of Michael.	Younger Legato Bluesummers: You have a true gift, you know. Starting this very day, you shall join the Eye of Michael.
Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood finally pushes himself to his feet and charges at Younger Legato Bluesummers with a yell. Before he reaches him, he’s stopped in midair and thrown back by Legato’s powers. He lies in a heap on the floor.
Younger Legato Bluesummers: I’m sure you’ll like it. We worship a beautiful angel.	Younger Legato Bluesummers: You’ll surely enjoy your time with us. We worship a beautiful angel.
Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood pushes himself onto all fours and coughs up blood.
Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood: I don’t believe in any god. Younger Legato Bluesummers: Punishment… You will eliminate all abnormalities in Master Knives’s noble plan.	Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood: I don’t believe in gods, so no! Legato Bluesummers: What about punishment? That will be your role in Masters Knives’s noble plan. You will eliminate all abnormalities in his way.
Nicholas D. Wolfwood fires the Punisher in slow motion flashes as bodies fall.
Younger Legato Bluesummers: Rebels.	Younger Legato Bluesummers: Rebels.
Nicholas D. Wolfwood, from the beginning of the episode, leveling the Punisher at the escaping man.
Younger Legato Bluesummers: Fugitives.	Younger Legato Bluesummers: Fugitives.
Nicholas firing the Punisher at Rollo in Child of Blessing.
Younger Legato Bluesummers: Losers. Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood: What a gross religion. Younger Legato Bluesummers: I’m sure you’ll like it. Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood: That’s a hard pass from me, idiot!	Younger Legato Bluesummers: Low-life scum. Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Yeah, that’s gonna be a pass from me. Younger Legato Bluesummers: Surely, you’ll enjoy it. Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood: I’m not working for you or your freaky-ass cult!
Younger Legato Bluesummers laughs. A black suit appears next to him along with Child Livio.
Younger Legato Bluesummers: This is your little brother, no? Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood: (gasps) Livio… Younger Legato Bluesummers: I hear he volunteered himself to follow after you. What beautiful fraternal love. If you won’t join us, he says he’ll work for us instead. So what will it be?	Younger Legato Bluesummers: You consider him a brother? Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood: (gasps) Livio! Younger Legato Bluesummers: I understand he volunteered himself to follow after you. The very picture of fraternal love. If you refuse to join us, he says he’s willing to take your place. What’ll it be?
Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood’s breathing turns harsh and panicked.
Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Damn you and your freaky blue hair!	Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Damn you, you blue-haired freak of nature!
An unseen force pushes Younger* Nicholas D. Wolfwood face down onto the ground. The force increases until the floor beneath him cracks and breaks and he screams in pain.*
Younger Legato Bluesummers: Don’t talk about my hair.	Younger Legato Bluesummers: You would be wise not to insult my appearance again.
Grunting, Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood struggles under Younger Legato Bluesummers’s power as it pushes him down further, scratching bloody streaks into the floor as he tries to get to Child Livio.
Younger Legato Bluesummers: It’s futile. My power isn’t mere nerve control or electrical impulse.	Younger Legato Bluesummers: It’s futile. My power is far beyond mere nerve control or electrical impulses.
Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood tries to push himself up again, getting as far as his elbows.
Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Livio… R-Run!	Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood: (pained) Livio. Run! Run away!
The pupil of Child Livio’s left eye glows an eerie blue.
Younger Legato Bluesummers: Love, attachment… I simply don’t get it. There’s no need for emotion. Sacrifice everything to devotion, body and spirit. Now come. Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood: No way, you creepy blue freak!	Younger Legato Bluesummers: Huh. Love. Attachment. I don’t understand such things. Emotion is useless. Devote yourself and release that which weighs you down. Well? Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Not a chance! Sorry, blue boy!
Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood smiles through the pain. Then, he’s flung from the floor up against the ceiling on his back as Younger Legato Bluesummers presses him into it so hard it cracks and Nicholas gasps and screams in pain. All the while, Legato chuckles.
William Conrad: Bluesummers!	William Conrad: Bluesummers!
Younger Legato Bluesummers releases his hold on Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood and Nicholas falls back down to the floor along with the crumbled debris of the ceiling. William Conrad pushes back the black suit to get to Legato.
Younger Legato Bluesummers: Oh. You’re here already. William Conrad: Please be gentle with him. Younger Legato Bluesummers: He’s just a stray. William Conrad: He has S+ drug compatibility, the highest class. Younger Legato Bluesummers: Oh, dear, I’m so sorry… Priest William. William Conrad: You mustn’t defile life! Forgive us, boy.	Younger Legato Bluesummers: Well, you arrived quickly. William Conrad: Please! Be gentle with him. Younger Legato Bluesummers: He’s no more than your average stray. William Conrad: His chemical aptitude, it ranks S plus. He is no stray. Younger Legato Bluesummers: (laughs) I overstepped. I’m terribly sorry. Forgive me, Priest William. William Conrad: You mustn’t defile life in such a way! The one who needs to forgive us both is him.
Younger Legato Bluesummers and William Conrad walk away, leaving Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood collapsed face down on the floor. The doors close behind them, leaving Nicholas in darkness.
Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood: I’m sorry, Livio…	Younger Nicholas D. Wolfwood: I’m sorry, Livio.
Child Livio, with his left eye glowing blue, appears again.

I Can’t Let You Two Kill Each Other!

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
In the present, Nicholas D. Wolfwood runs across the Sand Steamer, following Livio and Vash the Stampede.
Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Please! Don’t make me kill you!	Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Screw you, I’m gonna be real pissed if I have to hurt you!
Night has fallen. The Sand Steamer continues on its course through the desert, headlights glowing bright. On the main deck, Vash the Stampede runs from the soldiers as they fire on him.
Soldier 6-C: There he is! Fire!	Soldier 6-C: There he is! Fire!
Vash the Stampede blocks and dodges through a hail of bullets, occasionally deflecting shots with his prosthetic. He jumps over a railing and disappears.
Soldier 6-C: Fire!	Soldier 6-C: Fire!
Livio walks calmly into the hail of bullets meant for Vash the Stampede and is shot multiple times by the soldiers. From behind the railing, Vash watches on in shock. Nicholas D. Wolfwood runs up and stops, equally as shocked by what he sees. Livio is full of bullet holes. He staggers, but doesn’t fall.
Soldier 6-D: He’s still alive? But how? Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Without the meds?	Soldier 6-D: He’s still standing? What’s going on? Nicholas D. Wolfwood: And with no meds?
Livio recovers and levels his guns on the soldiers, opening fire and scattering them. Vash runs up the stairs to confront Nicholas D. Wolfwood.
Vash the Stampede: Who is that guy?! Nicholas D. Wolfwood: None of your business! Hurry and hide before he finds you. Vash the Stampede: Someone’s gonna get killed! Nicholas D. Wolfwood: You shouldn’t be worrying about other people! Vash the Stampede: You know him, don’t you?! You have to help him!	Vash the Stampede: Who is that?! Nicholas D. Wolfwood: He’s none of your business, okay? Now hurry up and hide! Don’t let him find you. Vash the Stampede: He’s gonna get somebody killed out there! Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Just worry about yourself for once, blondie! Vash the Stampede: You know him, yeah? So help the poor guy!
Vash the Stampede grabs Nicholas D. Wolfwood by the shoulder, but Wolfwood aggressively shrugs him off.
Nicholas D. Wolfwood: It’s too late.	Nicholas D. Wolfwood: It’s too late.
Nicholas D. Wolfwood glances away, looking pained and Vash the Stampede notices. Gunfire starts again and Vash the Stampede looks behind him, before running back into the fight.
Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Hey! Don’t go, Needle-noggin!	Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Hey! You can’t win!
Vash the Stampede runs between the soldiers, blocking their shots with his prosthetic arm before throwing himself straight at Livio and tackling him to the ground.
Vash the Stampede: Stop this! It’s me you want, right?!	Vash the Stampede: Please, stop! It’s me you’re after!
Vash the Stampede draws his gun and slams his gun down on Livio’s head, stunning him. Vash presses his forearm against Livio’s throat. Livio gasps.
Livio: I have to catch up…	Livio: I have to catch up.
Vash the Stampede gasps. Meanwhile, the soldiers approach them.
Soldier 6-E: Drop your weapons and surrender! Vash the Stampede: Listen, you soldiers need to run! Soldier 6-F: Engaged on the lower deck. Need backup immediately. Soldier 6-E: Put your hands up!	Soldier 6-E: Drop your weapons and surrender! Vash the Stampede: I told you! You gotta stay back! Soldier 6-F: Engaged on the lower deck. And we need backup. Soldier 6-E: Reach for the sky!
The soldiers approach Vash the Stampede and Livio, but are stopped by a series of shots from Nicholas D. Wolfwood, who appears holding the Punisher.
Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Idiots should stand back!	Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Stay away if you want to live!
Nicholas D. Wolfwood opens fire on the soldiers again and they run away.
Vash the Stampede: Wolfwood?!	Vash the Stampede: Be careful!
Livio lifts one of his guns and fires a shot at Vash the Stampede, who notices just in the nick of time and dodges. Livio kicks him off and Vash lands on the deck several feet away. Livio stands and levels his guns on Vash, opening fire. Vash raises his arms to shield his face, but no bullets come. When he lowers his arms, he sees Nicholas D. Wolfwood standing in front of him using the Punisher as a shield.
Nicholas D. Wolfwood: I told you to stand back, Needle-noggin! I can’t let you two kill each other!	Nicholas D. Wolfwood: You’re supposed to be hiding, Needle-Noggin! There’s no way in hell I’m gonna let you two kill each other!

Trying To Protect Too Much

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
A car approaches the Sand Steamer from behind. Inside, Legato Bluesummers is driving while Zazie the Beast sits next to him, laughing maniacally.
Zazie the Beast: The Punisher is in a bit of a bind, it seems!	Zazie the Beast: The Punisher’s in a sticky spot, huh?
From above, Livio can be seen approaching Vash the Stampede and Nicholas D. Wolfwood, still firing on them. A spy worm hovers in the air watching them. Zazie the Beast watches them through the spy worm.
Legato Bluesummers: It is indeed a tough choice. If his brother dies, other children at the orphanage will be next… until they find one with good drug compatibility. Zazie the Beast: Humans have such bad taste. Legato Bluesummers: He’s purely trying to protect too much.	Legato Bluesummers: (chuckles) Yes, a difficult position indeed. If his brother dies, they’ll continue to cycle through children at the orphanage until they find another with good chemical aptitude. Zazie the Beast: Humans and their silly priorities. Legato Bluesummers: He needs to learn that he can’t protect everyone.

Just Hide Already

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
Livio fires nonstop at the Punisher and Nicholas D. Wolfwood grimaces. With a grunt, he lifts it out of the way and charges at Livio.
Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Damn it!	Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Damn it!
Nicholas D. Wolfwood slams the long end of the cross into Livio, knocking him into some barrels. Nicholas turns to Vash the Stampede, who just stood up.
Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Just hide already! Vash the Stampede: But— Nicholas D. Wolfwood: I’ll beat your ass myself!	Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Shut up and hide already! Vash the Stampede: No way! Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Hide, or I’ll kill you!
More soldiers stream out from inside the Sand Steamer and onto the deck.
Humpback PA: We are currently assessing the situation. Please follow the attendants’ instructions.	Humpback PA: We are assessing the situation on the lower deck. Please follow your attendant’s instructions.
Vash the Stampede gasps as he notices something just past Nicholas D. Wolfwood.
Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Hurry!	Nicholas D. Wolfwood: Hurry!
Livio’s mask fizzles with electricity. Meanwhile, the car with Legato Bluesummers and Zazie the Beast draws up alongside the Sand Steamer.
Humpback PA: Emergency deployment in progress.	Humpback PA: Thank you for your cooperation.

Give Up On Your Little Brother

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
DESCRIPTION
Legato Bluesummers: There’s no need for emotion. Love, attachment… I simply don’t get it.	Legato Bluesummers: Emotion weighs us down. Love. Attachment. I don’t understand such things.
The car gets closer to the Sand Steamer’s treads. Inside the car, Legato sits at the wheel with a book open in his lap.
Legato Bluesummers: Still can’t give up on your little brother?	Legato Bluesummers: It has long been time to give up on your little brother.
Legato Bluesummers closes the book and lifts his left arm.
Legato Bluesummers: Shouldn’t you just accept reality already?	Legato Bluesummers: You must finally learn to accept reality.
Legato Bluesummers twists his hand and a piston within the Sand Steamer twists and breaks in a shower of smoke and sparks.

The Bad Lads Gang

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
The ship shakes, setting Nicholas D. Wolfwood and Vash the Stampede off balance. The car cuts in front of the Sand Steamer and moves to its other side.
Nicholas D. Wolfwood: The ship’s going off course?	Nicholas D. Wolfwood: This ain’t good. Ship’s off course.
The map from earlier flashes red with warning signs. It zooms in to show the Sand Steamer’s new course, red caution signs surrounding it. It’s directly on the path to hit Hopeland Orphanage. The passengers shout and cry out at the news. Back outside, the Bad Lads Gang shoots neon anchors with the letter “B” and “L” displayed vertically onto the deck. Multicolored smoke pours from the anchors. People in neon masks and outfits climb up the sides of the Sand Steamer.
Bad Lads: All that glitters is ours! The most gorgeous and terrifying bandits you’ll ever see! Here we go! Raiders of the desert! Go, go, go! Nicholas D. Wolfwood: The Bad Lads Gang? Now of all times?	Bad Lads: (shouting and laughing) Go, go, go! Nicholas D. Wolfwood: The Bad Lads Gang? Of all times, they choose now?

Who Will You Save?

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
Zazie the Beast’s worm hovers over the scene of chaos on the lower deck as the Bad Lads face off against Vash the Stampede and Nicholas D. Wolfwood.
Legato Bluesummers: So… what’s your next move, Punisher? Who will you kill?	Legato Bluesummers: Well? What’s your next move, Punisher? Who shall you kill?
The soldiers raise their weapons to aim at the Bad Lads Gang. Meanwhile, Livio twitches awake.
Legato Bluesummers: Who will you save?	Legato Bluesummers: And who shall you save?
Sitting behind Legato Bluesummers, Zazie the Beast laughs crazily while they weave a complex neon purple cat’s cradle between their fingers. They lift their hands and show off the web they’ve created.
Zazie the Beast: I’ve got you.	Zazie the Beast: I’ve got you now.
In the darkness, the Sand Steamer plows ahead. The Stars α (Ending Credits) sequence plays.

End Credits Concept Art

Concept art by Tajima Koji, at the end of “Once Upon A Time In Hopeland". Livio stands in front of Hopeland Orphanage, while three black-clad figures stand around him, each carrying a wrapped Punisher. — Concept art by Tajima Koji, at the end of “Once Upon A Time In Hopeland”. Livio stands in front of Hopeland Orphanage, while three black-clad figures stand around him, each carrying a wrapped Punisher.