[This time, Vash doesn't shy away. He squeezes the hand back, then sandwiches it between the other. For a moment, it almost seems like he's clinging, desperatefor a lifeline. He should have known Pure Vanilla would understand but...

As always, it's so hard to speak about himself.]

I never even met them, is the worst part. I haven't been to JuLai in years. But I still feel their loss. [He squeezes his eyes tightly shut.] I... have a plan. But it might mean that I don't get to go home. And I know that Wolfwood will want to.

[His head shakes a few times.]

It feels like there's no winning. Like there's no hope.