The Running Man

The Running Man (逃げる男, Nigeru Otoko) is the second episode of the Trigun Stampede anime.

Synopsis
With a single bullet, Vash prevents a crisis in the town of Jeneora Rock, but now he is being chased by the residents who have learned of the $6 million bounty. The fight for the bounty begins as Vash and his friends flee the city, and are chased by escaped thugs Nebraska and his son. Vash avoids fighting and saying he doesn't want to hurt anyone. The Nebraska father and son, who have given up chasing Vash, head for the "plant," the lifeline of the city. Vash realizes that they are trying to rob the plant, and runs out into the wilderness toward the city again.

Summary
While at the diner in Jeneora Rock, Vash and his new friends hear on the radio about two dangerous prisoners who escaped the May City Prison last night. The criminals, are known as the Nebraskas, and were convicted of 69 counts of manslaughter and twelve counts of attempted murder.

Vash explains to Meryl and Roberto that he isn't stealing plants, but its his twin brother, Knives. They wonder if Vash has some sort of proof, but Vash doesn't. A kid, Tonis, shows Vash some insects. Rosa sees that and yells at Tonis as she had told him multiple times to not bring Worms into the diner. As Tonis runs away, Rosa and the rest of the residents pull their guns towards Vash. Vash runs for his life as the residents open fire. He ends up being cornered but Meryl and Roberto help him escape. Meanwhile the Nebraskas are heading towards Jeneora Rock to for Vash to obtain his bounty, believing it will be an easy catch as Vash looks quite dumb on the wanted poster.

Vash sees his wanted poster and is disappointed to see what picture they used. The residents start to consider that the journalists may be part of Vash's gang. Roberto notes that if Vash fights back it will be a lot easier. Meryl wonders if he has bullets and Vash confirms, but states he prefers to not use them as they are pricey, and a bullet is worth two slices of a pizza. Vash and his friends almost leave the city, but Rosa waits for them at the city gate and captures them. The Nebraskas see that from a distance and speed up to not loose Vash's bounty. Rosa explains that they are thankful for Vash saving them, but as they have kids to take care, they need to money from his bounty. Moments later the Nebraskas show up. As their vehicle is heading directly towards Tonis, Rosa and Vash both jump to save him. The Nebraskas then announces who they are and that are there to challenge Vash and obtain his bounty.

Vash takes an animal and runs away. Seeing him, the Nebraskas go after him. Meryl and Roberto also take their car and head after him. They chase Vash for a while and Gofsef shoots out his punch, but Vash dodges it. Soon, the Nebraskas vehicle overheats, however Gofsef shoots his punch and grabs Vash's animal. Vash continues to run while pulling Gofsef and his father, who is on his shoulder. Nebraska tells Vash to fight him in a duel, but Vash refuses, stating he hates pain. Nebraska gets even more annoyed as he hates cowards like Vash. Eventually the luggage that Gofsef caught falls of from the animal and Vash escapes the Nebraskas. Nebraska is annoyed as without money they will return in prison, but then looks back at the Jeneora Rock and comes up with a plan. After a bit Vash stops and Meryl comes out of her car and states he is lame for just running away from pain. Vash confirms that he is a bit timid, but wonders if such a terrible thing. He wonders if fighting is so important even if it costs someone's life.

The Nebraskas attack Jeneroa Rock, wanting to steal their plant. Vash hears about the attack from the radio and heads back towards the city. The Nebraskas take the plant. The residents fear they may hit it and stop shooting at them. Rosa tries to stop them, but Gofsef captures and throws her in the air. He then shoots his punch, but Vash comes in time and kicks the punch away and captures Rosa before she falls. Nebraska wonders why Vash is back and if he ran away to draw their attention away from the plant. Gofsef attacks Vash, who keeps avoiding his punches. Nebraska is annoyed that Vash isn't drawing his gun. Vash states that Nebraska isn't shooting himself and Nebraska states its because his rockets are expensive. However, annoyed, Nebraska tells Gofsef to attack. As Gofsef attacks, Vash dodges, but ends in mid-air and in that moment Nebraska shoots, believing that Vash won't be able to dodge now. However, Vash manages to dodge and survive. Vash states he still doesn't want to fight and that if they take the plant, the town is done for. Nebraska reminds Vash that the residents are after his head and tricked him, however Vash doesn't care, stating they were kind to him and he wants to help them. Annoyed by his attitude, Nebraska takes out another gun and shoots at Vash telling him to fight. Vash takes out his gun and shoots at Nebraska's bullet, colliding them in mid-air. Vash then states he also wants to help them.

Because of Nebraska's rocket attack earlier, the platform they are on starts falling. Nebraska quickly goes to the other side next to Vash, however, Gofsef takes the plant and tries to carry it to Vash to save it. He succeeds but the platform starts falling with him. Gofsef then shoots out his punch and Vash grabs it and saves Gofsef from falling. Rosa points her gun at Nebraska. Vash asks her for help and she tells Nebraska that they will help if he returns the plant. Nebraska agrees and the residents help Vash pull up Gofsef.

Nebraska decides to leave with Gofsef, but Rosa stops them and invites everyone at the diner. While they drink and celebrate there, Vash decides to leave. Roberto sees Vash and follows him outside. Roberto realizes that Vash can't stay too long on one place as it will endanger the residents and wonders from who he is running away, but then recalls it was Knives Millions. The two then hear some screaming from the dinner and as they return they see some small lost technology robots clinging on Gofsef. As they turn red, Gofsef runs out of the diner and they explode.

Appearances

 * Vash the Stampede
 * Meryl Stryfe
 * Roberto De Niro
 * Tonis
 * Rosa
 * Gofsef Nebraska
 * Father Nebraska