Yeah. He channeled my anger in a productive direction. And he knew what I was worth. Knew even if I had an attitude problem, I was capable and could get things done. Nobody else would put up with me back then.

[He smiles a little in spite of himself. Looking back now, he doesn't envy Credo being responsible for him in his teenage years. On top of the explosive temper he could be sullen, bratty, arrogant, and a dozen other rancid moods depending on the day. Credo handled them all with stern grace and discipline, and never once backhanded Nero or throttled him no matter how much he probably had it coming. Even bent his own authority to make a space for Nero that suited him, because he knew he was worthy of the trouble.

He hopes that speaking his honest feelings about Credo won't make Vergil feel guilty or inadequate. But back then he had no father, no Dante, nobody else who even came close. Credo was the only one who didn't treat him like a nuisance, or a weapon to be used against the Order's enemies. At least, not exclusively. After all, Credo was the only one of his superiors who showed concern for his "permanently" wounded arm.]

He was like an older brother to me. The only man in the Order worth looking up to. Worth wanting to be like, and wanting to earn his respect.

[Which made what followed all the more painful.]