02 The Running Man – Versaphile.com

Airdate: January 14, 2023
Source: Crunchyroll
Transcribers: Versaphile and merylstryfestan
Subtitle Files: JPN -> ENG Full Subs | English Dub Full Subs | English Dub Forced Subs (on-screen text + lyrics only) – TBD

Table of Contents

Summary

Despite being saved by Vash twice already, the people of Jeneora Rock decide it’s in their best interests to capture Vash for his bounty. Vash nearly escapes with the help of reporters Meryl Stryfe and Roberto De Niro, but just as Rosa and the townspeople catch them, the Nebraska family arrives to take the bounty for themselves. In the chaos, Vash escapes and leads the Nebraskas away from Jeneora Rock.

Unable to capture Vash, the Nebraskas decide on an easier target: the Jeneora Rock plants. They steal the healthy plant, but Vash and the townspeople intervene. Vash fights the Nebraskas for the plant, and the ensuing destruction causes the bridge they’re on to partially collapse. Vash saves Gofsef, the son, with the reluctant help of the townspeople, and the father agrees to give back the plant. Everyone celebrates the peaceful resolution with drinks in Rosa’s diner, but an attack by mysterious robots brings the party to a violent end.

You’re My Accomplice

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
Child Vash the Stampede stands in the huge SEEDS05 cryosleep chamber. Hundreds of individual pods line the curved wall and ceiling.
Child Vash the Stampede: Good morning, everyone.	Child Vash the Stampede: Hi everybody. Morning.
An explosion shakes the chamber. From outside the SEEDS05 ship, several explosions can be seen.
SEEDS05 AI: This is a Level E-3 emergency. This ship is in free fall.	SEEDS05 AI: This is a Level E-3 emergency. The ship is in free fall.
Child Vash the Stampede runs to Rem Saverem and Child Millions Knives.
Child Vash the Stampede: Nai! Rem!	Child Vash the Stampede: Nai! Rem!
Child Vash the Stampede jumps into Rem Saverem’s arms. Rem Saverem opens an escape pod.
Rem Saverem: Get inside. And hurry.	Rem Saverem: Get in. Quickly.
Child Millions Knives enters the pod. Rem Saverem urges Child Vash the Stampede to enter. The glass doors of the pod close as soon as both boys are inside.
Child Vash the Stampede: Rem?	Child Vash the Stampede: Hey!
Presses his hands against the glass, looking pleadingly at Rem Saverem.
Rem Saverem: Meeting you… has brought me so much joy!	Rem Saverem: Getting to know you two has meant the entire world to me!
Pulls a lever that launches the escape pod.
Child Vash the Stampede: Rem!	Child Vash the Stampede: Please don’t!
The escape pod flies away from SEEDS05 as several explosions continue to go off.
Child Vash the Stampede: REM!	Child Vash the Stampede: Rem, no!
Child Millions Knives pilots the escape pod away as another explosion makes a fireball. The other ships in the fleet are also exploding around them as they fly towards the planet. The escape pod has landed on the planet. Child Vash the Stampede stumbles away from the wrecked pod, following Child Knives’s footsteps in the sand. People still frozen in cryopods are surrounded by flames. Child Knives stands high up on some wreckage of a ship, several more giant chunks of debris nearby. Most of the surroundings are on fire. More ships are still falling from the sky in the background, looking like red comets. Child Knives laughs as he observes the chaos. Child Vash is below, standing in the sand, looking up at his brother.
Child Millions Knives: A brilliant success! I finally did it! (laughs) You’re my accomplice… Vash.	Child Millions Knives: I finally did it! A brilliant success! (laughs) You’re my accomplice, Vash.

Gun Maintenance

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
In a room in Jeneora Rock, Vash the Stampede sits at a desk, working. The room has a large round window, the desk, a dresser, a bed with a white bedsheet, and a tub. Vash’s red coat is on the bed, and his duffel bag is beside the bed. The space is dimly lit by a weak yellow ceiling light and a brighter lamp on the desk.
Radio Host B: There’s nothing on this planet. No water. No food.	Radio Host B: Wasteland is an understatement. “Land” implies something livable. This pit’s got no water, food…
A small robot shaped like a virus skitters into the foreground. Vash the Stampede performs maintenance on his gun. Various tools, brushes, and rags are strewn across the desk as he works, as well as several bullets. On the desk is a portable radio and a framed photograph of Rem Saverem, Child Vash the Stampede, and Child Millions Knives together in the SEEDS05 garden.
Radio Host B: Without plants, our ancestors would have gone straight to heaven. “We would’ve been better off that way”? Right on! Was surviving in this hellscape really a stroke of good fortune? Or should we be pitied for our bad luck? Anyway, here’s a tune…	Radio Host B: If it weren’t for plants, our ancestors would’ve met God long before they had a chance to repopulate. Maybe they should have. Can we call it a miracle that we get to barely exist in this hellscape? Or should we just call it as it is: an inheritance of bad luck. Anyway, here’s a tune.
The TOMBI Opening Credits sequence plays.

Diner Interview

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
The town of Jeneora Rock. A large column of rock stands at the center of the town. A metal building made of repurposed spaceship hull is streaked with rust. A red, aging satellite dish points up to the sky. In the distance is an unmoving windmill. Two moons are seen in the daytime sky. Three men sit at a square table, listening to a crudely made radio. On the table are a beer stein, a glass of water, and an ashtray with two cigarette butts.
Radio Host A: Late last night, two dangerous criminals escaped the May City Prison! These criminals, known as the Nebraskas, were convicted of 69 counts of manslaughter and twelve counts of attempted murder.	Radio Host A: Late last night, two dangerous criminals escaped the May City Prison. These prisoners are known as the Nebraska Family. They’d been incarcerated on 69 counts of manslaughter, and an additional 12 counts of attempted murder.
Rosa’s diner. On the main floor are three round tables, each occupied by three people sitting in green-upholstered chairs. Chatter fills the air as the radio plays in the background. On the tables are glasses of water, beer steins, hard liquor, hot drinks that may be coffee or tea, and ashtrays with cigarette butts. A small bar with drinks sits next to a wall of windows. The green curtains are drawn back and sunlight filters in through the windows, filling the diner with golden light. Vash the Stampede, Roberto De Niro, and Meryl Stryfe sit together at the rightmost table. Meryl Stryfe is taking notes in a small journal. A staircase beside them leads up to a second floor balcony. Rosa and another woman stand on the balcony and look down at Vash. Rustic chandeliers hang from the ceiling, unlit.
Bargoer 2-A: That’s nearby! Bargoer 2-B: How disturbing. Meryl Stryfe: So what you’re saying is that… you’re not the person running around stealing plants all over the planet. Vash the Stampede: (nods) Meryl Stryfe: And the real culprit is your twin brother who looks exactly like you. Vash the Stampede: (nods) Meryl Stryfe: (groans) Roberto De Niro: (sighs) A different man with the same face, huh? Sounds a bit too convenient. Meryl Stryfe: There’s no proof, either. Roberto De Niro: In other words, we can’t just take you at your word.	Bargoer 2-A: May City? Bargoer 2-B: Too close for comfort. Meryl Stryfe: Let me make sure I’m following you. This mad man running around stealing plants and wreaking havoc is in fact, not you. Vash the Stampede: (nods) Mm-hm. Meryl Stryfe: Although he does look like you because this guy’s your identical twin brother. Vash the Stampede: (nods) Mm-hm. Meryl Stryfe: (groans) Roberto De Niro: (sighs) You’re saying we’ve got ourselves an evil twin scenario, huh? That sounds a bit too convenient for me. Meryl Stryfe: No tangible proof, though. Roberto De Niro: Gonna take more than a pretty story for us to stick our necks out for you.
Vash the Stampede grunts, then whimpers dramatically.
Meryl Stryfe: You can’t cry your way out of this.	Meryl Stryfe: Crying won’t help your case.
Vash the Stampede sighs, then slowly lays his head on the table in defeat.
Roberto De Niro: So, this brother… “Knives” was it? What does he want with the plants anyway? Meryl Stryfe: Is it about money? Or maybe honor?	Roberto De Niro: So, this mystery brother “Knives” of yours, what could a guy like him possibly want with the plants? Meryl Stryfe: The money? Or is it about honor?
Face-down on the table, Vash the Stampede’s eyes go distant.
Roberto De Niro: Could it be revenge?	Roberto De Niro: Nothing spurs people like revenge.
Roberto De Niro gives Vash the Stampede a thoughtful look. Tonis arrives with a small cage of insect-like worms, which he places on the table. Vash sits up and Meryl Stryfe yelps and cowers in fear.
Roberto De Niro: What’s up, kiddo? Vash the Stampede: Are those for me?	Roberto De Niro: Hey there, kiddo. Vash the Stampede: Those guys for me?
Tonis grunts and pushes the cage closer to Vash the Stampede. The cage is beat up and rusting, with a latch and door on the side and a handle on the top. Five worms are visible. Vash reaches over and pets Tonis’ hair. Tonis smiles, happy.
Vash the Stampede: Thanks, Tonis. I’ll take good care of them. Meryl Stryfe: (nervous laugh) Oh, what a heartwarming scene… Roberto De Niro: Like you’re even looking. Meryl Stryfe: Is he gone? Roberto De Niro: Not yet.	Vash the Stampede: Thank you Tonis. I’ll keep your buddies safe. Meryl Stryfe: (nervous laugh) What a truly heartwarming scene. Roberto De Niro: Please, you’re not even looking. Meryl Stryfe: Are the bugs gone? Roberto De Niro: Almost.
Rosa appears on the stairs, looking angry. Vash the Stampede pulls his hand away from Tonis.
Rosa: Tonis! How many times do I have to tell you not to bring Worms into the diner?!	Rosa: Quit that, boy! How many times do I have to tell you not to bring your worms in here?
Tonis grabs the cage and his bug net and starts running out of the diner. Vash reaches after Tonis.
Rosa: You stay outta here for a while! Meryl Stryfe: You didn’t have to go that far.	Rosa: Mama loves you baby, now shoo! Meryl Stryfe: You didn’t have to do that on my account.
Vash the Stampede smiles at Tonis and gives him a little wave. Roberto De Niro takes a drink of his beer.
Rosa: Now then…	Rosa: Sorry, Vash.
Rosa points a semi automatic gun at Vash the Stampede.
Vash the Stampede and Meryl Stryfe: Huh?	Vash the Stampede and Meryl Stryfe: Huh?
Everyone in the diner is now pointing a gun at Vash the Stampede, Meryl Stryfe, and Roberto De Niro. Meryl yelps, stands and raises her arms in surrender. Vash calmly stands and raises his hands. Roberto remains seated and raises his hands.
Rosa: Real sorry about this, Vash.	Rosa: It’s the cash, not you.
Vash the Stampede looks at Rosa in wide-eyed shock and gives an unhappy whimper. Title Card: #02 逃げる男 (Translation: The Running Man)

On The Run

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
Vash the Stampede yelps and screams as he runs along the rooftops of Jeneora Rock, showers of bullets sparking around him as they all just miss him. He leaps down from a high point in the city and falls onto a lower building, making impossible, acrobatic jumps as he runs from the shooting townspeople.
Rosa: Don’t let him get away!	Rosa: Don’t let him get away!
Vash the Stampede runs down a long metal staircase. He turns back just as he’s shot at again, then grabs the railing and leaps over it and into a passageway. More gunfire meets him there, and he yelps and scrambles to the left.
Townsperson 2-A: This way! Townsperson 2-B: He’s here!	Townsperson 2-A: Found him! Come on! Townsperson 2-B: Yes sir!
Vash the Stampede runs through an alley and launches himself off a drop-off, over an area scattered with barrels. He crashes into several barrels, then lands on his back. There is a large white satellite dish in the distance. Shooting townspeople catch up to him and he screams and launches himself back up, scrambling over a barrel and down another metal staircase.
Townsperson 2-C: Over here!	Townsperson 2-C: There he is!
Vash the Stampede runs across a large metal bridge. A group of townspeople appear ahead of him, and another group catches up behind him. He stops, trapped between them, and raises his hands nervously.
Vash the Stampede: Oh dear. Townsperson 2-D: Got him! Meryl Stryfe: Vash!	Vash the Stampede: Uh-oh. Townsperson 2-D: We’ve got him! Meryl Stryfe: Heads up!
From the rooftop of an adjacent building, Meryl Stryfe tosses a rope down to Vash the Stampede. Roberto De Niro stands behind her. Vash catches the end of the rope. Meryl turns to Roberto, who has his hand on the lever for a winch.
Meryl Stryfe: Now! Roberto De Niro: Yeah, yeah.	Meryl Stryfe: Now go! Roberto De Niro: Yeah, yeah.
Roberto De Niro pulls the lever for the winch, and the rope retracts. Vash the Stampede is yanked upwards, out of a hail of bullets and up the side of the building. When he reaches the top, his momentum launches him into the air. He lands with a scream on top of Meryl Stryfe and Roberto. Meryl and Vash both groan and clutch their heads.
Roberto De Niro: What the hell is going on? Meryl Stryfe: You’re heavy… Vash the Stampede: That’s what I’d like to know.	Roberto De Niro: What the hell is going on here? Meryl Stryfe: Get off. Vash the Stampede: If you figure it out, let me know.

The Nebraskas

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
Out in the sand dunes, a soldier in a Jeneora Rock uniform falls to the sand, either unconscious or dead. An armored Jeneora Rock military vehicle drives away, kicking up large clouds of sand. Inside the vehicle is Gofsef, a large, bald man with visible mechanical body modifications. Gofsef hits his head on the metal ceiling, making a clanging sound as the vehicle bounces due to the rough terrain. In the seats in front of Gosfef are Nebraska and another Jeneora Rock soldier, who is driving. Nebraska, his father, is an older man with wild grey dreadlocks, a surgical scar across his forehead, a white lab coat, a lavender bow-tie, and goggles with green lenses. Nebraska has a rocket launcher aimed at the soldier.
Nebraska: What’s wrong with this hunk of junk?! Soldier 2-A: All the cars out here are like this. Nebraska: For crying out loud! I can’t have my son turning stupid on me! Soldier 2-A: If you wanted better stuff, you should’ve gone to a big city like JuLai.	Nebraska: Are you a bad driver or do you just wanna die? Soldier 2-A: All the cars in these parts are buckets of bolts. Nebraska: Oh, boo. Well, my son can’t lose any more braincells! Soldier 2-A: If you wanted a smoother ride, you should’ve hit a big city like July.
Nebraska puts down the rocket launcher and takes a piece of paper out of his pocket. He unfolds it.
Nebraska: I think I will, thank you very much. Right after we catch this loser and get our six million! Seriously, what a dumb face… He’s got to be an easy catch, Gofsef!	Nebraska: Oh I think I will. Just as soon as we poach this punk and Papa rakes in his six milly! He’s quite the goon, with that dumb, slack-jawed look. We’ll snatch him up in no time! Won’t we, Gofsef?
Nebraska looks down at a copy of Vash the Stampede’s wanted poster.

Flight or Fight?

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
Vash the Stampede sits on the edge of a roof and frowns at a copy of his wanted poster, dismayed. Meryl Stryfe crouches beside him and Roberto De Niro stands behind them.
Vash the Stampede: Why’d they use this photo?	Vash the Stampede: Why did they have to use this photo?
Meryl Stryfe takes the wanted poster and folds it in half.
Roberto De Niro: Is that really the issue?	Roberto De Niro: That’s your issue?
The voices of townspeople come up from below.
Townsperson 2-E: So those journalists were part of his gang?	Townsperson 2-E: So those journalist folks are a part of his gang?
Vash the Stampede, Meryl Stryfe, and Roberto De Niro hurry back from the edge of the platform. Vash struggles and flails while doing so, slipping on his long coat. He pulls his legs away from the edge and up into the air, folding himself in half in the process.
Townsperson 2-F: Whatever. We’ll just catch them all. Townsperson 2-G: We can demand a higher bounty for ’em.	Townsperson 2-F: Who cares? Catch ‘em either way. Townsperson 2-G: Yeah, then we can demand a higher bounty.
Roberto De Niro and Meryl Stryfe walk together along a metal bridge. A sign for the Jeneora Rock post office hangs on a nearby building. One of the moons is seen overhead.
Roberto De Niro: Great idea, trying to save this guy. Meryl Stryfe: I’m sorry. Roberto De Niro: If you could actually put up a fight, this would be a lot easier.	Roberto De Niro: And this is why we don’t save lost puppies. Meryl Stryfe: Sorry. Roberto De Niro: Hey puppy, this would be easier if you’d put up a fight.
Vash the Stampede appears, following behind them.
Vash the Stampede: What? You wanna have a shoot-out? Come on…	Vash the Stampede: Huh? Are you really in a mood for a shoot-out? Not me.
Meryl Stryfe and Robert De Niro stop and turn back to face Vash the Stampede.
Meryl Stryfe: Don’t tell me you forgot to load up on ammo again. Vash the Stampede: No, I made sure I brought plenty today. But I’d rather not use them. Bullets are pretty pricey. Meryl Stryfe: You could get locked up! Vash the Stampede: But one bullet is worth two whole slices of pizza!	Meryl Stryfe: What’s your deal? Wait, let me guess. You forgot ammo. Vash the Stampede: No, I even packed extra. I would just prefer not to use it. Bullets are pretty pricey, you know. Meryl Stryfe: Yeah, and so is paying for our bail! Vash the Stampede: I could buy one bullet or two dozen donuts though!
Vash the Stampede holds up both hands. He shows one finger on his right and two on his left, representing the amounts. Meryl Stryfe and Roberto De Niro both groan in dismay and start walking again.
Roberto De Niro: We’re as good as dead. Vash the Stampede: Hey, hey! Come on! We just have to get out of town, right?	Roberto De Niro: We’re as good as dead. Vash the Stampede: C’mon guys, we’re gonna live, okay? All we gotta do is get our butts out of town.
Meryl Stryfe and Roberto De Niro look back at Vash in confusion.

Toma Decoy

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
A group of gun-toting townspeople walk past a narrow alleyway. One man notices a piece of red cloth disappearing behind a corner within the alley.
Townsperson 2-H: I see him!	Townsperson 2-H: This way!
The townspeople run into the alley, and even more join from a nearby stairway.
Townsperson 2-I: Hey, someone saw him! Townsperson 2-J: Found him! Townsperson 2-K: Come on! Townsperson 2-L: That’s a dead end!	Townsperson 2-I: Someone saw him! Townsperson 2-J: There! Townsperson 2-K: Right! Townsperson 2-L: That’s a dead end!
Turning a corner, the men gasp in surprise. They see a toma with a large piece of red fabric tied to its back with some rope. The toma is eating from a pile of grain that spilled out of a feed bag. The toma looks up and hisses at them.
Townsperson 2-M: Damn it, he got us.	Townsperson 2-M: Damn. He got us.
Vash the Stampede peeks out from behind a building near the edge of town. The voices of the townspeople can be heard in the distance.
Townsperson 2-N: Find him!	Townsperson 2-N: Keep looking!
Vash the Stampede walks out and waves for Roberto De Niro and Meryl Stryfe to follow him. The three of them hurry towards the town’s main entrance. Just before they reach it, Rosa and two other women appear to block their exit, all holding semi-automatic weapons. Vash, Meryl, and Roberto stop. Vash raises his hands in surrender.
Rosa: Vash. Don’t make this any harder.	Rosa: Vash, don’t make this harder on me.

Hard Puncher

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
The Jeneora Rock military vehicle continues to approach Jeneora Rock. Nebraska is once again pointing his rocket launcher at the soldier. Gofsef continues to hit his head with every jolt of the vehicle.
Nebraska: I’m looking forward to this. Aren’t you, Gofsef?	Nebraska: Should be a fun hunt! Right, Gofsef?
Looking through high-tech binoculars, the soldier sees Meryl Stryfe, Vash the Stampede, and Roberto De Niro kneeling in the sand just in front of the town’s entrance, Rosa and the other townswomen each pointing their guns them.
Soldier 2-A: Looks like someone already caught him. Nebraska: What?!	Soldier 2-A: Huh? Someone’s already caught your guy. Nebraska: Really?!
Nebraska forcefully grabs the binoculars from the soldier and looks for himself.
Nebraska: Whatever! We’ll steal him from them! Run them over! Soldier 2-A: For real? You promised you’d let me go before we hit town! Nebraska: Shut him up, Gofsef.	Nebraska: That whale won’t stop me! Run them all over! Soldier 2-A: Huh? Seriously? You promised you’d let me go before we hit town! Nebraska: Silence him, Gofsef.
Gofsef leans forward between the two front seats. The soldier is launched through the left side window with a shattering of glass, followed by Gofsef’s prosthetic right hand. The hand quickly retracts back into the vehicle on a thick metal cord that’s attached to its base.
Nebraska: You idiot! Now who’s going to drive this thing?!	Nebraska: You imbecile! Now who’s gonna drive this death trap?
The military vehicle begins to waver and drift in its path as it continues at full speed through the sand, and Nebraska screams.

We’re Mothers

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
Tonis walks forward, holding his cage of insect-worms. He approaches the group consisting of Rosa, the two townswomen, Vash the Stampede, Meryl Stryfe, and Roberto De Niro. Vash, Meryl, and Roberto are kneeling on the ground, their hands behind their heads.
Rosa: With the plant in this state, all we have to rely on is money. Meryl: How can you be so heartless?! Who does this to someone who saved their town twice? It’s unthinkable! Rosa: I know that. I wouldn’t dare if we’re just adults here. But we’re mothers. I won’t stand by while our kids get sick and starve. Sorry, Vash. If you need to lay the blame somewhere, call it bad luck.	Rosa: With the plant in its current state, this money is our last hope. Meryl Stryfe: How can you be so cruel? You would sacrifice the man who saved your town twice? It’s heartless! Rosa: We’re well aware of that, missy. If it were just us here, we wouldn’t do it, trust me. But we have our children to think about. And I won’t sit idly by while our poor babies starve to death. I’m sorry, Vash. Spare me the blame. Lady Luck can be a real bitch.
Vash the Stampede gives Rosa a sad, understanding look, then chuckles softly. Rosa stares at him, then turns in alarm as she hears the military vehicle approach. Rosa cries out as she sees that an unaware Tonis is directly in the military vehicle’s path.
Rosa: Tonis!	Rosa: Tonis, no!
Rosa drops her gun and rushes over to Tonis. Vash the Stampede quickly runs up and grabs both Rosa and Tonis, and pulls them out of the way of the oncoming military vehicle. Vash lands on his back with both Rosa and Tonis in his arms and they skid through the sand before coming to a stop. Tonis’ worm cage falls into the sand. The military vehicle crashes to a halt, teetering on its front two wheels before slamming back down. The crash kicks up a large cloud of sand. Roberto De Niro and Meryl Stryfe are crouched over and coughing.
Roberto De Niro: You good? Meryl Stryfe: Yeah.	Roberto De Niro: Are you alive? Meryl Stryfe: Yeah.
Rosa and Tonis are lying in the sand. Rosa checks on Tonis.
Rosa: Tonis…	Rosa: Baby?
Tonis looks up at Rosa and smiles with an affirmative sigh. Rosa smiles back in relief.
Nebraska: (over vehicle speaker) Power is justice! Power is truth! Rosa: Vash?	Nebraska: (over vehicle speaker) Power is justice! Power is truth! Rosa: Oh no.
The military vehicle slowly backs up.
Nebraska: (over speaker) There’s no future for those who can’t fight! Get out here, Vash the Stampede! We, the Hard Puncher Nebraskas, challenge you to a duel!	Nebraska: (over speaker) There is no future for the sniveling slug who can’t fight! Show thyself, Vash the Stampede! The furious fists of the Nebraska Family challenge you to a duel!
Meryl Stryfe and Roberto De Niro stand in the cloud of sand. A figure appears in the cloud.
Nebraska: (over speaker) Where are you, Vash the Stampede?!	Nebraska: (over speaker) Come out, come out, wherever you are!
Vash the Stampede launches out of the cloud of sand riding a saddled toma.
Meryl Stryfe: Vash?	Meryl Stryfe: Where are you going!
Vash the Stampede’s expression is serious and focused as he rides the toma away from the town and out into the desert. Nebraska and Gofsef are both leaning out of the military vehicle, Nebraska from the broken window and Gofsef from the door. Nebraska is holding his rocket launcher. When they see Vash the Stampede running away, they both scramble back inside.
Nebraska: Stop! My six million!	Nebraska: Money! Come back!
The military vehicle turns and chases after Vash the Stampede. Rosa and Tonis watch from where they sit in the sand. Meryl Stryfe and Roberto De Niro get back to their feet.
Meryl Stryfe: Hurry! After them! Roberto De Niro: Wait… Hey!	Meryl Stryfe: Let’s go after them! Roberto De Niro: Let’s not – Hey!
Rosa and Tonis sit in the sand and watch Vash’s escape.

Stop Running And Fight

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
As Vash the Stampede rides away, the military vehicle follows close behind. Meryl Stryfe and Roberto De Niro are in their news van and pull up alongside Vash, matching his speed. Meryl is driving and Roberto is drinking from his flask.
Vash the Stampede: Go back to town! Meryl Stryfe: What about you? They’re going to mow you down! Nebraska: Don’t think you can get away!	Vash the Stampede: Get the heck out of here! Meryl Stryfe: You get out of here! That lunatic is going to run you over! Nebraska: There’s no escaping us now!
The military vehicle pulls closer and closer to Vash the Stampede. Vash the Stampede pulls the toma out of the way just in time, but the military vehicle turns sharply to follow him, drifting in the sand.
Nebraska: (grunts)	Nebraska: Nuh-uh!
Meryl Stryfe aggressively turns the news van to follow, causing Roberto De Niro to choke as he drinks from his flask. Vash the Stampede expertly guides his toma through a section of sand with several large rocks jutting up above the surface. The military vehicle struggles to follow in the large, clunky vehicle, hitting a rock and causing Gofsef to hit his head on the ceiling.
Nebraska: Ugh, stop, you bastard! I can’t have my son turning stupid! Do it, Gofsef!	Nebraska: He’s using rocks, our worst enemy! My son is braindead enough, you bastard! Now, Gofsef!
Gofsef launches his prosthetic hand, which is clenched in a fist, at Vash the Stampede. It crashes through the military vehicle window and narrowly misses Vash, instead hitting a rock which shatters with the punch. Vash yelps.
Vash the Stampede: Now that’s a punch. Nebraska: (over speaker) I’ll end you! Get flattened! (laughs maniacally)	Vash the Stampede: Felt the fury right there. Nebraska: (over speaker) I hope you like pancakes, ‘cause you’re gonna become one! (laughs maniacally) Huh? Huh?!
The military vehicle makes a whining noise and begins to slow down. On the vehicle dashboard, lights flash and a screen shows a warning message saying “CAUTION OVERHEAT”.
Nebraska: You piece of junk!	Nebraska: Curse this damned doohickey!
The military vehicle slowly rolls to a stop. Vash the Stampede and the news van also eventually come to a stop a good distance away.
Roberto De Niro: Did their engine stall? Vash the Stampede: (sighs) Beats me. Roberto De Niro: Well…	Roberto De Niro: They stall out? Vash the Stampede: (sighs) Who knows? Roberto De Niro: Well…
Gofsef’s prosthetic hand launches again, then grabs onto the bedroll tied to the back of Vash the Stampede’s toma, surprising Vash and the toma. Vash gasps and urges the toma forward. With his prosthetic hand still holding onto the bedroll, Gofsef uses the retractable feature of his prosthetic to pull himself forward towards Vash. Nebraska rides on Gofsef’s shoulder, and holds the rocket launcher on his own shoulder.
Nebraska: Stop running and fight us! Vash the Stampede: No thanks. I’m not a fan of pain. Nebraska: Have you no pride as a gunman?!	Nebraska: Stop running and fight the Family! Vash the Stampede: No thanks! I’m not a huge fan of, ya’ know, pain. Nebraska: What the…? You must have some sense of pride as a gunman, mustn’t you?
Vash the Stampede looks back at Nebraska.
Vash the Stampede: Nope. None whatsoever. Nebraska: I hate cowards like you! This whole planet is fighting for survival! Anyone who runs is bound to die like a sorry loser!	Vash the Stampede: Mm. Yeah, no. Nebraska: You coward! I despise waste-of-life cream puffs like you! You have to fight tooth and nail to survive in this world! If those who can’t hack it run away and die like chickens, then so be it!
Meryl Stryfe and Roberto De Niro watch from the news van. Roberto continues drinking, emptying the last from his flask. Meryl slowly pulls forward to follow along. From his perch on top of Gofsef, Nebraska points angrily at Vash the Stampede.
Nebraska: But you, Stampede! How dare you?!	Nebraska: But you? I expected more, Stampede!
The bedroll pulls free from the toma’s saddle, causing Gofsef’s arm to suddenly be pulled backwards and slam into Gofsef’s face and Nebraska. They both fall to the ground.
Vash the Stampede: That had to hurt. Nebraska: (coughs) I can’t have my son turning stupid!	Vash the Stampede: That had to hurt. Nebraska: (coughs) He can’t take any more head injuries, kapeesh?!
Vash the Stampede continues riding away. The news van keeps pace along with him.
Vash the Stampede: Take it easy! Nebraska: You insult me!	Vash the Stampede: Take it easy, pops! Nebraska: I’ll take you easy!
Gofsef takes Nebraska’s arm and holds him back. Gofsef shakes his head.
Gofsef: Gofsef. Nebraska: This is no laughing matter! You’re turning into a coward like him. You shame the Nebraska name! Damn it, damn it! Without that cash, we’re going back to prison! Oh, I know.	Gofsef: Gofsef. Nebraska: No time for chitchat! You’re cowardifying as we speak! You bring great shame to the name Nebraska. Damn! Damn! Without that dough, it’s back to the ol’ clink for your favorite family. Unless…
Nebraska looks back to Jeneora Rock, which is just visible in the distance. The news van comes to a stop alongside Vash the Stampede. Meryl exits the van and approaches Vash, who dismounts from the toma. He takes a drink from his canteen.
Meryl Stryfe: I agree with that man. You think you’re so clever, running away like this?	Meryl Stryfe: I agree with the maniac. Are you just so short-sighted that you believe running away makes you some kind of saint?
Vash the Stampede doesn’t respond. He feeds the toma water from his canteen and pets its head.
Meryl Stryfe: How totally lame. It’s not an act of kindness. You’re just running away from pain. Roberto De Niro: That’s enough, newbie. Meryl Stryfe: Fine. Vash the Stampede: You might be right that I’m too timid. But is that such a terrible thing? Is fighting everything head-on so important? Even if it gets someone killed?	Meryl Stryfe: It’s lame, not an act of kindness. You just don’t want to get hurt. Running away isn’t some brave thing to do. Roberto De Niro: That’s quite enough out of you, newbie. Meryl Stryfe: Right. Vash the Stampede: Okay, I may not be the bravest, but what’s so terrible about being a little timid? Is fighting head-on always right? It risks lives, and for what?
Bumper/Eyecatch: A map, labeled SEVEN CITIES UNION MAP. A red dot marks Jeneora Rock.

Intruders At The Factory

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
The people of Jeneora Rock defend the town from Gofsef and Nebraska, raining down bullets from the rooftops.
Townsperson 2-O: Don’t let them get in! Fire!	Townsperson 2-O: Don’t let them in! Fire at will!
Gofsef launches his prosthetic hand at two firing townspeople, knocking them down. He deflects several bullets with the large metal body modifications on his arms and shoulders. He launches his prosthetic hand at Rosa and another woman, who dodge out of the way and fall to the ground. Tonis runs towards Rosa.
Tonis: Mom!	Tonis: Mama!
Three men stand on a bridge and fire down at Gofsef. Gofsef uses his prosthetic to grab the bridge and pull it down. Nebraska brandishes his rocket launcher and looks up at the building where the water and electricity plants are kept. In the foreground are a hotel and a billboard for Skulls cigarettes.
Nebraska: How did we miss this? There’s something much more valuable here. A real treasure!	Nebraska: Thanks to my brilliant idea, we’ll get our hands on something greater than that porcupine-haired fool! A real-life treasure!
Inside the plant building, the red water and blue electricity plants are unprotected. Vash the Stampede, Meryl Stryfe, and Roberto De Niro listen to the news van’s radio.
Radio Voice A: Intruders at the factory! We need backup now! We need backup–	Radio Voice A: Intruders at the factory! We need backup! Hurry, we can’t hold them–
The man on the radio screams as several gunshots go off. Vash the Stampede mounts his toma and rides back towards Jeneora Rock.
Meryl Stryfe: Vash? Roberto De Niro: Get in, newbie! Meryl Stryfe: Okay!	Meryl Stryfe: What now? Roberto De Niro: Get in, newbie! Meryl Stryfe: Coming!
Vash the Stampede rides the toma at speed back to Jeneora Rock. The news van follows behind Vash.

Battle For The Plant

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
Nebraska and Gofsef walk down one of the town’s main metal stairways. The town’s healthy blue electricity plant, still in her tank, is tied to Gofsef’s back. Nebraska and Gofsef stand at the end of a metal bridge that juts out from the city, a hundred or so feet in the air. The plant is no longer on Gofsef’s back. The military vehicle is parked below the bridge, with a crane and a hook. Gofsef uses his prosthetic to grab onto the hook and reel it in.
Nebraska: Power is justice! Power is truth! There’s no future for those who can’t fight!	Nebraska: Power is justice! Power is truth! If you’ve got no power, then you’ve just gotta die!
Rosa and several townspeople arrive at the bridge. They hide behind some metal beams.
Woman 2-A: Rosa! We can’t shoot or we might hit the plant. Rosa: You folks stay here. Woman 2-A: Rosa!	Woman 2-A: Rosa! If we shoot now, we risk hitting the plant! Rosa: Y’all just stay right here. Woman 2-A: Rosa!
Rosa charges at Nebraska and Gofsef as they attach the crane’s hook to the plant. Rosa shouts as she runs.
Rosa: You give back that plant!	Rosa: Hand over the plant, or you thugs are gonna get it!
Rosa swings her semiautomatic at Gofsef. Gofsef catches her by the throat and holds her above the ground. He tosses her up into the air, then fires his retractable fist at her. Just before the fist can hit, Vash the Stampede runs up, leaps, and kicks the fist away. Using the momentum of his kick, Vash grabs Rosa while they’re still in the air. Nebraska gasps in disbelief. Vash lands on his feet with Rosa cradled in his arms.
Nebraska: Wha?! Stampede!	Nebraska: Look who it is!
The townspeople watch in shock. Meryl Stryfe and Roberto De Niro arrive and stand beside them. Vash the Stampede gently sets Rosa on the ground. A sign above the townspeople says “DANGER DO NOT ENTER”.
Nebraska: What are you doing back here, you coward? Don’t tell me you did all that running to draw our attention away from the plant. Eh, who cares? Now we can finally fight head-on.	Nebraska: So, coward, you finally came crawling back! You strategic bugger, you. Did all that running to lead us away from the plant, eh? Well who cares? Treasure is good and fun, but my son and I are pumped and ready to rumble.
Rosa gives Vash the Stampede a silent look, then moves out of the way. Vash launches himself at Nebraska and Gofsef.
Nebraska: Gofsef!	Nebraska: Gofsef!
Gofsef launches his retractable fist at Vash the Stampede, who dodges out of the way. The fist comes back and he dodges again, bending backwards as the fist just misses his chin. He turns onto his hands and knees as the fist launches again, lunging out of its path. Vash runs away and ducks down to avoid another fist attack. He flattens to the ground as the fist retracts. He turns onto his back and uses a spin kick to fling himself to his feet, kicks his leg high as the fist flies under it. He cartwheels, landing upside-down on his prosthetic hand as the fist retracts past him. He finishes cartwheeling and lands on his right foot as the fist flies back, and uses his left leg to turn himself in a ballet pirouette as the fist flies past him and back again.
Nebraska: Why won’t you draw your gun?! Draw!	Nebraska: Lovely, but this ain’t the ballet! Draw!
Gofsef grunts and tries to hit Vash the Stampede again. Vash ducks out of the way. Gofsef’s fist hits one of the bridge support beams.
Nebraska: What gives?! Why won’t you shoot? Vash the Stampede: Right back at you! Nebraska: A single round for this baby costs a boatload! I’m saving up! Don’t make me say that out loud! Vash the Stampede: I guess we’ve all got problems, huh? Nebraska: Shut up! I’ll show you. Gofsef!	Nebraska: Jeez, guy. Why won’t you shoot? Vash the Stampede: Why won’t you? Nebraska: Just one round for this baby costs a boatload and we’re short on dough! Not that I need your charity! Vash the Stampede: We’ve all got our problems, huh? Nebraska: Problems? Here’s a new one for you. Gofsef!
Gofsef gets down on one knee and fires his fist again at Vash the Stampede. Vash jumps out of the way.
Nebraska: Weapons… are made for fighting!	Nebraska: I might as well, huh? It’s what the damn thing’s made for!
While Vash the Stampede is still flying through the air, Nebraska fires his rocket launcher at where Vash is going. Vash’s eyes go wide in alarm and he just barely manages to dodge the rocket as he falls backwards. The rocket hits another bridge support beam and explodes. Large chunks of concrete and debris are launched into the air. Rosa and Meryl Stryfe watch in horror.
Rosa: Vash… Meryl Stryfe: Vash!	Rosa: Vash, no. Meryl Stryfe: You okay?
The entire support beam has been completely obliterated. Vash the Stampede is nowhere in sight. Nebraska yelps in delight.
Nebraska: Do you get it now?! There’s no future for those who don’t fight!	Nebraska: That’ll show ya! Any sniveling slug too scared to fight must die!
Vash the Stampede’s right hand appears at the edge of the bridge. Nebraska gasps in surprise.
Vash the Stampede: That was close. Nebraska: Wha?!	Vash the Stampede: Close call, pops. Nebraska:
Vash the Stampede pulls himself all the way back up onto the platform.
Vash the Stampede: Come on, can you back off?I really don’t want to fight anyone.	Vash the Stampede: Can you guys cool it for a second? I’m really not in the mood for violence.
Vash the Stampede dusts himself off.
Nebraska: That’s the attitude that pisses me off! Vash the Stampede: If you take the plant, this town won’t make it. Nebraska: You remember they’re after your head, right? They’re worse than regular villains for pretending to befriend you. What value is there in trying to save them? Vash the Stampede: There’s no reason not to help them. Nebraska: They tricked you! Vash the Stampede: I don’t mind. Nebraska: Don’t you have any pride? Vash the Stampede: These people were kind to me. So I want to save them. That’s all.	Nebraska: When the world ends, will it ask if you’re in the mood? Vash the Stampede: Listen, if you take that plant, the people here aren’t gonna make it. Nebraska: The people trying to kill you mere moments ago? They’re far worse than your standard villain. At least we didn’t pretend to be your friends. Why would you save a city full of traitors? Vash the Stampede: I don’t have any reason not to. Nebraska: What do you mean? They deceived you. Vash the Stampede: Eh, I don’t really care. Nebraska: Have you any sense of pride? Vash the Stampede: I told you I don’t. Plus, these people were kind to me. It’s that simple. I want to save them.
Rosa watches, her face wracked with guilt. Nebraska aims his empty rocket launcher at Vash the Stampede.
Nebraska: In that case…	Nebraska: If that’s so– argh!
Angry, Nebraska tosses his rocket launcher to the side. He pulls out a small pistol and aims at Vash the Stampede.
Nebraska: Fight!	Nebraska: Fight me now!
Nebraska fires at Vash the Stampede. Before the bullet can reach him, Vash draws his revolver from its holster, aims and fires, hitting Nebraska’s bullet. Both bullets, now misshapen from hitting each other, clatter to the ground between Nebraska and Vash.
Nebraska: (astonished) Seriously?	Nebraska: (astonished) Seriously?
Nebraska drops his gun, and Vash the Stampede reholsters his with a spin.
Vash the Stampede: I want to help. That includes you. Roberto De Niro: This guy… Whose side are you on?	Vash the Stampede: If you’ll let me, I want to save you too. Roberto De Niro: Oh good. Who the hell’s side are you on?

Rescuing Gofsef

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
The bridge they stand on begins to buckle, and the section farthest out into the air begins to split away from the rest. Vash the Stampede steps back to safety.
Nebraska: Oh no! Run, Gofsef!	Nebraska: Uh-oh! Run quickly, my boy!
Nebraska runs and jumps onto the stable section of the structure next to Vash the Stampede. Gofsef starts making his way as well, but turns back to grab the plant.
Nebraska: Gofsef!	Nebraska: Come on, son!
There’s now a sizable gap on the platform between where Vash the Stampede and Nebraska stand and the collapsing section of the structure. Gofsef struggles to carry the weight of the plant tank as he walks to safety.
Nebraska: You idiot! Gofsef: Gof…sef…	Nebraska: Hurry you big lug! Gofsef: Gof…Gofsef!
Gofsef approaches the end of the collapsing section. Vash the Stampede reaches out his hand.
Vash the Stampede: You’re almost there!	Vash the Stampede: You’re almost there!
The structure buckles again, and Gofsef manages to shove the Plant into Vash the Stampede’s hands as he falls backwards with the collapsing section.
Gofsef: Gof! Nebraska: Gofsef!	Gofsef: Gofsef! Nebraska: My baby! No!
Vash the Stampede sets down the plant. Gofsef launches his fist and it lands on the bridge. Vash grabs Gofsef’s fist, but he’s pulled towards the edge by Gofsef’s weight. Vash gets his footing, holding Gofsef as the section of bridge completely collapses. Gofsef dangles in the air. Rosa, Meryl Stryfe, and Roberto De Niro push the plant tank away from the edge. Vash struggles to hold Gofsef’s weight without sliding over the edge himself.
Vash the Stampede: I’ve… got you! Nebraska: Gofsef! Gofsef!	Vash the Stampede: Hang tight! I’ve got you! Nebraska: Your daddy’s coming!
Nebraska runs to help Vash the Stampede, but he’s stopped as Rosa fires at him.
Vash the Stampede: Rosa…	Vash the Stampede: Don’t shoot!
Rosa approaches slowly and levels her weapon at Nebraska, who cowers on the ground. Vash continues to struggle to keep Gofsef from falling.
Nebraska: H-He’s my darling son… Vash the Stampede: Rosa! Please! I need your help! Rosa: You give back that plant. Nebraska: Yes, ma’am.	Nebraska: Please, my darling son is in danger. Vash the Stampede: Rosa! Drop that! I could use some help here! Rosa: Swear on your life you’ll give back our plant. Nebraska: Yes ma’am.
Rosa lowers her gun.
Rosa: Come on, everyone!	Rosa: Let’s pull, y’all!
Vash the Stampede looks back at Rosa and smile. The townspeople cheer.
Rosa: One, two! One, two! One, two! One, two! One, two!	Rosa: And, pull! And, pull! And, pull! And, pull! And, pull!
Gofsef is slowly raised as everyone works together, pulling up the metal cord attached to his arm. Gofsef is eventually pulled up onto the bridge. Nebraska runs to him and pulls him into a hug.
Nebraska: Gofsef! I’m so glad! I’m so, so glad! Gofsef!	Nebraska: My precious Gofsef! Thank goodness you’re safe! Daddy will never put you in harm’s way again! (sobs) My sweet angel baby!
Meryl Stryfe looks quizzically at Vash the Stampede. He smiles sheepishly at her in return.
Meryl Stryfe: Vash the Stampede… What a weirdo.	Meryl Stryfe: That’s Vash the Stampede, huh? What a weirdo.
Nebraska and Gofsef stand and walk sheepishly forward.
Nebraska: Let’s go, Gofsef. Vash the Stampede: Take it easy.	Nebraska: Well, places to go, things to do. Vash the Stampede: Nothing evil, I hope.
Rosa steps forward, her hands on her hips. Her expression is stern.
Rosa: Hold it.	Rosa: Stop right there.

Drinks All Round

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
At the diner, a smiling Rosa stands up from behind the bar. She brandishes three beer steins.
Rosa: There’s plenty of booze to go around. Just for today, knock yourselves out!	Rosa: Ah! A barrel of booze for everyone! We all deserve it after today!
Everyone is shown gathered in the diner, and they cheer in response. Nebraska and Gofsef sit at a table with Vash the Stampede.
Nebraska: Drinking at this hour? These folks really are terrible.	Nebraska: Boors that imbibe at this hour? They’re the true filth of our society!
Rosa approaches and sets the three steins down on the table.
Rosa: Don’t be shy. Nebraska: I don’t drink. Rosa: What?	Rosa: Hello, there. Don’t be shy, crazy. Nebraska: I don’t partake in the stuff. Rosa: Huh?
Tonis approaches Gofsef, who reels back in fear at the bug-worms in the cage Tonis carries. Tonis smiles proudly. Chatter fills the air as everyone starts to relax. Vash the Stampede looks around and smiles, then stands. Meryl Stryfe is shown sitting at a separate table with Roberto De Niro.
Meryl Stryfe: (slurring drunkenly) You know what?	Meryl Stryfe: (slurring drunkenly) Listen!
Meryl Stryfe slams her mug on the table.
Meryl Stryfe: You gotta lay off the booze and smokes or that stuff’s gonna get to you!	Meryl Stryfe: You say that I’m not long for this world, but it’s not me who’s smoking and drinking all day!
Meryl Stryfe drinks greedily from her mug. Roberto De Niro notices Vash the Stampede walking out of the diner while everyone else is distracted.
Meryl Stryfe: Hey, are you listenin’ to me?	Meryl Stryfe: Pay attention! I’m saving you!

Lost Technology Attack

JPN -> ENG Subtitles	English Dub
The room where Vash the Stampede stayed in the night before. The room is empty and Vash’s belongings are gone. A small, virus shaped robot, like the one from the beginning of the episode, makes several beeps and whirring noises and then crawls away. Three of the same type of robot are then shown skittering across the sign for Rosa’s diner. Vash the Stampede walks down a set of stairs, carrying his duffel bag on his back. He walks past where Roberto De Niro is leaning against a wall, smoking a cigarette.
Roberto De Niro: Not even a goodbye? They’ll miss you.	Roberto De Niro: You couldn’t spare a goodbye? These folk’ll miss you.
Vash the Stampede stops walking.
Vash the Stampede: I don’t like overstaying.	Vash the Stampede: Well, I’ve never been the type to overstay.
Roberto De Niro sighs and drops his cigarette.
Roberto De Niro: No, that’s not it. You couldn’t stay in one place for long even if you wanted to.	Roberto De Niro: You’re not foolin’ me. Even if you wanted to stay for a while, you couldn’t.
Roberto De Niro stamps out the cigarette with his boot. Vash the Stampede turns and faces* Roberto.*
Roberto De Niro: Just who are you running from? Wait… You told me his name this morning. Millions Knives.	Roberto De Niro: Who are you so convinced is after you? Oh, wait, I know this one, don’t tell me. That’d be Millions Knives, huh?
A woman screams in the distance. Inside the diner, Gofsef knocks over a table and shouts. Nebraska, Meryl Stryfe, and Rosa slowly back away from him as Vash the Stampede and Roberto De Niro return.
Meryl Stryfe: Vash! Roberto! Roberto De Niro: What’s going on?	Meryl Stryfe: Kind of a situation here! Roberto De Niro: I see that.
Several of the small robots climb all over Gofsef’s body. Gofsef tries to grab at them but fails.
Nebraska: What is this stuff?! Roberto De Niro: Lost technology?!	Nebraska: What are those creepy crawlies? Roberto De Niro: Hold on. That’s lost tech!
The blue cube that forms the “head” of one of the robots turns red. The cube fractures but the pieces hold together, twisting as the light within the cube grows brighter. The other robots are shown to also have turned red, and Gofsef runs out of the diner. He falls to the ground out on the street.
Nebraska: Gofsef!	Nebraska: Gofsef, no!
Nebraska tries to run after Gofsef, but Vash the Stampede grabs him by the shoulder and tosses him back. Gofsef cries out as all the robots shine brighter and brighter, whirring and beeping noises growing louder. From a distance, as if outside the town, we see one final flash of red light, immediately followed by a large explosion. The Stars α (Ending Credits) sequence plays.

End Credits Concept Art

Concept art by Tajima Koji, at the end of “The Running Man”. A man, possibly Millions Knives, sits at an ornate, ominous organ. An angel statue stands perched over the keyboard.