Hey, people, I am going to write a fanfic on my top 10 anime pairing. To all the Taiga x Ryuuji I mean no offense to you. This came after I completed the series yesterday, and while I am happy for the ending I feel that Ryuuji and Minori would have made an awesome couple. In fact, I was rooting for them, but hey you can't always have your way. Now before I cause anyone any confusion in this fic everyone is a grade down. Meaning Ryuuji and his year class is in there the second term of the first year.

Disclaimer: I do not own Toradora or any of the characters.

Chapter 1: Dragon Protects Princess/Enter The Tiger

Intro

There is something in this life that many haven't seen yet. It's not because it's impossible to reach but it's hard to. That's why when we reach that thing we should grasp hold of it and hold tightly. Maybe that's why the world hid it well because if it's that hard to get then it's special. One day, someone will find it and they will treasure it.

"HYA!"

Ryuuji exclaimed as he performed his final punch ending his shadow sparring. He looked at the time before turning around and making his way towards the bathroom. Taking off his sweaty top he stepped towards his shower to get the water running. Suddenly, his hand froze as something horrendous caught his eye. It was his worse enemy. The Bane of his existence. Mold.

"Hhhyaaawwwwwnnnn"

The sound of small teenagers yawning filled her bedroom. She rubbed her eyes in an attempt to rid them of all sleep. Turning around her eyes caught sight of the time on her alarm clock. "Achoo!". She attempted to cover her mouth as she broke out into a sneezing fit.

"Morning, Inko don't tell me you're still asleep rise and shine already," Ryuuji said gathering his things for school. He walked around the coffee table only to come to a stop. "Caught you Ryuu" his legs were trapped by his mother's. The blue-haired teen simply dragged his feet along with his mother until she released him." Aww, you are so grumpy today Ryuu" Yasuko whined.

" It's the first day of school today, I told you this last night" Ryuuji informed her as he slipped on his uniform top." Oh yeah, you moved up a term congratulations" the blonde told him earning a sigh from her son. "Is that how you're going to see your son off on his first day?" he asked while buttoning up his top. " Hey, the room is really dark can you open the curtains?" his mother, asked. "The curtains are already open" he replied. The blonde quirked an eyebrow before it struck her" Oh yeah it's because of that new apartment complex next to us".

"Yeah, since that day we lived in the shade," said Ryuuji. The bluenette's eyes narrowed and a sinister grin took over his face. " Ever since that day, I have been fighting mold on top of mol-". "Ahhhh you have that wicked look in your eyes, you're starting to look more like your father!" A squealing Yasuko cried out. All of the teen's color flowed from his body upon hearing his mother's claims. "Don't you dare compare me to that-" Ryuuji began but was cut off again by the blondes squealing. " That's so cool you are totally turning into him" She continued receiving a sigh of defeat from the bluenette.

Releasing another sigh Ryuuji grabbed his bag and walked out of the door. "Hey, Sensei Oshida texted me this morning to tell you the dojo is closed, and wait where is my breakfast" Yasuko called out. " Thanks and you're breakfast is where it always is" he replied while walking down the stairs making way for school.

As Ryuuji walked towards school he felt someone bump into him while running. The person halted and whirled around only to meet the bluenette's glare." Crap Takasu we're so sorry here take my wallet. I swear I don't have any change!" the duo yelled frantically before scampering away.

"He is such a freak. That guy is really scary".Takusu's eyes were shadowed by his hair as the whispers continued.

Ryuuji was currently roaming through the halls with his best friend Kitamura. " Welp another horrible term of high school to deal with, along with the fact that people think I'm a delinquent," Ryuuji mumbled sliding his hands into his pockets. "Don't be like that I'm sure everything will turn out great for you" Kitamura tried to reassure his friend. "Oh yeah, I am sure that it will," the blue-haired teen said sarcastically.

"Well look on the bright side I know you're a great guy and your my best friend" he replied adjusting his glasses. That prompted a smile to come to Ryuuji's face" Thanks man, that means a lot". The two continued to walk along the hallway and chat.

"Hey, Kitamura!"

A feminine voice filled the ears of the two males. Ryuuji slowly turned around to meet the person calling out to his friend. That's when he saw...it was her. His breath hitched and a red blush painted his face. "We're in the same class again this year" a redheaded girl greeted Kitamura. " Hey Kushieda" the teen greeted back. She was as vibrant as Ryuuji remembered. The girl was always radiant and cheerful. This was the girl he is in love with...Minori Kushieda.

"Oh hey, your name is Takasu right?. I've seen you hanging out with Kitamura a lot believe it or not we met before," She said cheerily. Ryuuji's blush deepened and his heart began racing. "Y-You're M-Minori Kushieda aren't you?" he asked turning his head to the side to hide his blush.

"Hey what do you know, you even remember my full name that kind of makes me happy" the redhead cheered clapping her hands together. Kitamura watched with a calculative stare as his friend was reduced to a blushing nervous wreck. Minori then strolled pass them with a happy laugh. "Anyway, I'm going to go take care of some stuff. Catch you later Takasu" Kitamura announced snapping Takasu out of his trance. "Yeah, see you later" he replied taking off.

Ryuuji continued to walk around thinking about Kushieda. That was until he bumped into something. " Woah it's a fight for top Dog, Takasu vs The Palm-Top Tiger" Whispers proceeded to fill the hall as everyone gazed at Ryuuji. Taking a glance around him he saw no one. Until he looked down which caused him to jump back. It was a very small light brunette girl.

She shot Ryuuji a hard glare which made him tense up. "This girl has an intense vibe about her like a wild animal". It was at that moment something struck him. Smacking his fist into his palm Ryuuji thought out loud "I see they call you the Palm Top Tig-". However, his sentence was cut off when he found himself blocking a powerful uppercut. " What the hell !?" he exclaimed blocking another blow that turned into several. Ryuuji, however, was not anticipating the strong kick to the crotch that sent him collapsing.

"Ok class that's it for today don't neglect to turn in your career plans" Ms. Koigakubo announced. Ryuuji watched as everyone in the class began conversing with

each other. He couldn't help but lower his head. " Hey, are you okay?" A voice snapped him out of his sulking. Looking up to see who it belonged to he nodded " Hey Kitamura".

"Aisaka and Takasu are really amazing aren't they," a girl named Maya Kihara said. "Yeah, they sure are you saw the way Takasu defended himself, Aisaka had to resort to underhand tactics" another threw in. " Yeah but I heard a rumor Takasu isn't actually a bad guy he just looks like a psycho" someone informed the rest.

"You see they're warming up to you already" Kitamura patted him on the back with a smile."Well, the moves he showed still leaves the suspicion he got in some fights before. So he might be a retired delinquent " Koji threw in. That caused Takasu to sulk and Kitamura nervously laughs "Well some of them at least".

"It's not my fault I look like this" he sulked

Takasu was running through the halls towards his classroom. "Crap I'm late I'll miss the sale at the store at this rate" he exclaimed. Arriving at his destination he grabbed the doorknob and opened the door. *Crash!*. Ryuuji winced as he saw a few chairs crashing into the front wall of the class. Amongst the damage, he saw Taiga who came rolling out of a fallen locker. " Ummm, ok I'm just getting my bag," he told her walking to his seat.

"Stop, What do you think you're doing?!" A voice stopped him mid-reach. " It's ok I'm just getting my bag look," The bluenette said lifting up his bag. " Oh no that's your bag...I-I thought your seat was..up and away!" Taiga leaped into the air like a predatory animal and crashed into the startled teen. After recovering from the collision, the two were locked into a tug of war match for the bag. "Let go of my bag!" Takasu yelled growing more agitated by the second.

"Achhooo" Taiga let out a sneeze which resulted in her releasing the bag. Ryuuji fell backward and collided into the desks. It took a while for him to regain his bearings. He stood up just in time to watch her storm towards the door.

"Dumbass!" she opened the door and slammed it behind her. Ryuuji could only stare at the door in wonder at how strange the short teen was. " What a freaking mess," he said surveying the damage.

Subsequently, after cleaning the class, Ryuuji began his journey home. He let out a long sigh as he recalled the crazy day he had so far. "I really wish people wouldn't judge me based on my looks. It's not my fault I look like this," the bluenette thought out loud. "I should have known things wouldn't get better damn you, Kitamura, giving me false hope" Ryuuji cursed as his shoulders slumped. On the bright side, he got to see Minori today, and actually talk to her. A smile tugged at his lips.

"Kushieda there is something I need to tell you!"

"Kushieda there is something I need to tell you"

A voice rang out through the corner where Takasu was about to turn through. Upon hearing the name that was called Takasu crouched behind a wall. Peeping out from his hiding spot he saw none other than Minori Kushieda. In front of her stood two guys who appeared to be seniors. One was barely taller than Takasu with black hair, and black eyes. His friend was around his height but had pale skin, and brown eyes that went with his brown hair.

As Ryuuji got a good glimpse of them he recognized their faces. The first Kai Muruno the Captain of the soccer team and his friend Saito Homura also apart of the soccer team.

" Oh hey, How are you guys?" Minori greeted the two with a bright smile. " I'm good look Kushieda I have something to tell you" Kai announced.

" Ok, I am all ears," she said.

" W-Well Kushieda ever since I met you I couldn't stop thinking about you and I have been watching you for a while and...Kushieda I really Like you!" the athlete shouted declaring his feelings for the redhead. Takasu's mouth went dry as his blood went cold. "Oh no I hope I'm not too late," he thought as he shut his eyes tightly.

"I'm flattered that you feel that way, but I'm sorry but I don't feel the same way," she told him. Kai's body went stiff upon hearing that and Ryuuji let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. Minori turned to walk-off but was halted by an intense grip on her arm." What do you mean? You can't reject me!" Kai shouted as his anger began to rise. Minori cringed at the harsh grip and tried to pull away. "Let go of me you're hurting my arm" she cried out. She attempted to yank herself out of the teen's grip. Only to be slammed to the wall. Wincing at the pain the girl struggled to move her arms only to find them pinned.

"I'm the Captain of the Soccer team and a Senior no one rejects me especially a first-year bitch. Do you have any idea how long I waited to say that!" he shouted in rage. "Let me go, Saito do something" she pleaded to the other male. "You should have just said yes like a good girl, but you went and rejected him" the brunette replied with a sneer provoking fear to creep into her heart. " I'm going to make you mine Kushieda" Kai cooed with an evil perverted smile. Closing her eyes she awaited what was to come. Tears of fear began brimming in her eyes.

"Let her go!" *Thwak*

A loud sound rang through the empty street. Minori dared to open her eyes and was stunned at the sight before her. It was him. In front of her stood Ryuuji Takasu. His arm was extended with hand clenched into a fist. Following his outstretched arm, she noticed Kai was lying on his hip sporting a large bruise on his cheek. "What the- why don't you mind your own business punk" Kai shouted scrambling to his feet.

" You tried to hurt her even after she let you down gently. You scumbags just earned a ticket to the hospital" Takasu declared with a cold glare that sent shivers down their spines. "Go to hell" Kai exclaimed running towards Ryuuji and began throwing a variety of punches. Takasu slipped into a stance and began blocking, ducking, and weaving the attacks. The black-haired teen threw a sloppy hook that Ryuuji caught and bending his arm behind his back. Minori winced a bit upon hearing the snap that followed. Deafening screams could be heard from the teen. Stepping in quickly the bluentte dealt a series of sharp and powerful strikes to his body. Kai fell to the ground unconscious. Saito tried to avenge his friend while Ryuuji's back was turned.

"You Baasssttaaarrddd"

"Takasu behind you!" Minori shouted.

Hearing her warning Takasu whirled around to meet a hook heading his way. Takasu brought up a half guard absorbing the punch. The brunette gritted his teeth and pulled back for another blow. That idea went south when a straight punch from Takasu crashed into his solar plexus. The teen gasped not noticing when Ryuuji wrapped an arm around his waist. The bluenette. Turning In an adjusting his hips he threw the brunette over his back. Effectively slamming him Saito into the Ryuuji watched as he groaned in pain.

Minor could only stand there flabbergasted at what she had just watched. "Are you ok, Kushieda. Did they hurt you in any way?" he asked. She backed up off of the wall and dusted herself off. "I'm fine, thanks to you Takasu," she said with as she bowed with a huge smile. Ryuuji turned crimson upon realizing that he was now alone with his crush. " I should probably head home now thanks Ryuuji," she said and began walking in the direction of her home. He wanted so badly to stop her but his body wasn't moving due to nervousness.

Staring at her figure walking off in the distance he glimpsed something...she was Trembling." She must be very shaken up" he thought to himself. That caused him to shake off his nervousness and do something he wasn't expecting. He ran after her.

"KUSHIEDA!"

The boy yelled catching up to his classmate. Minori turned around to see Ryuuji coming to a stop in front of her. " Oh hey, Takasu you need something?" the red-headed girl asked with her usual cheery tone. "I'm walking you home," he declared. To say she was taken aback would be an understatement.

Noticing that he might have been coming off too bold he tried to reword his phrase. "I-I j-just want to walk you home to make sure you are safe" he stuttered out blushing madly. " It's ok I don't want to burden you any further" she replied frantically waving her hands."No, You're not troubling me at all I really want to make sure you are safe" Takasu assured her. " O-Ok Thank you" she thanked him.

As they walked the two actually had a great conversation. They chatted about random things and even discovering things about each other. "Hey Takasu, how did you learn to fight like that?" she raised a question receiving a small smile from him. "Well, when I was little my Mom signed me up for these Martial Arts Classes which is actually run by a close friend of hers," he told her. " Wow, what kind of Martial Art do you study" Kushieda prodded literally beaming with curiosity. Seeing this he couldn't help but chuckle. " Well it's not quite mixed martial arts but it's a complete combination only of jiu-jitsu, Karate, Boxing, Kungfu, Karate, and Aikido. He created it by fully studying and mastering all 6 of those fighting styles. Anyway, My mom thought I would need it in case I ended up inheriting more than my father's look" He explained to her.

"Well I think it's cool that you know how to do those stuff, but why would you need them" She mused. Closing his eyes in thought he told her ." It's because a lot of people think I'm a terrifying guy and automatically avoid me. My face actually caused me to get targeted by bullies a lot back in junior high. They were challenging me to see who is the top dog in their words". Minori just looked at him questionably. "I don't think you're scary in fact I think you are a very kind gentleman," Minori said causing Takasu to blush.

"N-No you don't have to say that to make me feel better" He stammered out with crimson tinting his face. At hearing that she came to a halt causing him to stop as well. Turning around the usually jovial Minori fixed him with a serious look causing Takasu to pale. "I'm dead serious Takasu I think you're a kind person. You are just misunderstood because of your appearance but you shouldn't try to change who you are. A delinquent or a thug wouldn't have helped me when I was in need of saving just now. Besides, I like the way you look" she told him with crossed arms. If one thought Ryuuji's face was red before it was now matching Kushieda's hair.

"Y-You really mean that Kushieda?"

She smiled and nodded her head in response. "Besides no one would dare try to bully you as long as you kick butt the way you do. You were all like Bam, let go of Kushieda..." Minori said trailing off into her usual happy rants. Punching her arm outwards she hit his arm causing him to flinch. Ryuuji tried to mask it but much to his misfortune she didn't miss it. "Takasu can I see your arm, please " She demanded more than asked. Snatching his left wrist she pulled back his uniform sleeve to reveal a bruise to the back of his forearm.

" So when we're you going to tell me you got hurt?" She asked in a motherly tone placing her hands on her hips. The bluenette could only shrink as Minori fixed him with a stern look. "Come on let's go get that taken care of," she said dragging him by his wrist. Noticing the contact Takasu blushed. "Kushieda it's ok-" he began but was cut off. "Nonsense you got hurt because of me. I can't just let you walk around like that" Minori said still pulling him by his arm.

"Yeah b-but you're holding m-my arm" he stuttered which seem to catch her attention. Realizing that she was holding his arm Minori's face redden "L-Lets j-just go".

Along the walk, they stopped to a nearby store and bought a cold canned drink to put on Ryuuji's arm. " Well this is it, I present to you my home. She presented ecstatically making him chuckle. " I'm honored Kushieda" he played along eating a giggle. " Pleased that you are pleased," she told him causing him to blush. "he stuttered. " Now to find my keys to the house," She said as she rummaged through her pockets. " Found it she said pulling out her keys only to have them slip out of her grasp. "I've got it /I've got it," they said in unison reaching for the keys. Both of their hands brushed each other causing a jolt of electricity to pass through them.

Looking up they both locked eyes. "Our first real eye contact. Kushieda's eyes are a beautiful Violet huh" he thought to himself...or so he thought. " Hehehe W-What are you talking about?" She asked with a blush on her smiling face. " O-Oh I just never seen your eyes up close" he stammered. "Oh, and by the way call me Minori, but only if I can call you Ryuuji," Kushieda told him with her usual smile. Takasu's heart began racing insanely fast and his breath quickened. He felt completely hot and flustered. She did this to him with just her smile.

"I want to see you smile more. I want to see more of you. If I can sit here and lock eyes with you again I would do anything. No matter how long it takes.

After walking Kushieda home Ryuuji was now lying in sleeping peacefully having an extremely incredible dream.

.Knock Knock.

That was until he heard knocking at his door. He slowly sat up rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. " Huh, Yasuko?" he wondered but quickly scratched that thought. Getting out of bed he headed into the kitchen. It was dark and the flapping of the curtains could be heard. "Wait a minute why is the window open," he thought aloud but whipped around feeling someone behind him. Takasu was just in time to catch what seemed to be a wooden stick between his palms. "What the hell?! He shouted. As he began to push the person back a realization struck him. He felt as if he had seen the tiny person before.

" Achooo".

The intruder sneezed and stumbled backward. Wasting no time he ran towards the lights and flipped the switch revealing the intruder. "Aisaka!" he shouted at the small girl who was now sniffling. She turned around and grabbed the nearest cloth blowing her nose into it. " Use a tissue damn it!" he shouted at her. she threw the cloth onto his head. Ryuuji pulled it off just in time to duck under a swing from a wooden sword. Taiga then swung it down causing him to jump to the side.

"What".

Swing.

Dodge.

Are.

Swing.

Dodge.

You.

Swing.

Dodge.

Doing.

He finished landing against a screen door. "Forget about it," she said with her hair shadowing her eyes. Forget about what? Oh you mean that let" However, he was cut off when the stick stabbed where his head once was. "I can't live another second now that my secret is out I have to die!" the light brunette declared fiercely. " Then why the hell are you trying to kill me?" Ryuuji asked. "Because I rather kill you than to die" she shot back. " You're nuts!". "Don't worry a good crack to the head won't kill you, but you will get amnesia?" she told him as if was supposed to make him feel better. " Look Aisaka t-". "Shut up" the girl cut him off.

" Huh" Ryuuji looked confused. "Shut up, Shut up, Shut up I'm going to make u forget about that stupid love letter!" she yelled swinging her sword down with an intense force. " THE ENVELOPE WAS EMPTY!!!" he shouted causing her to pause mere inches from his skull. "It was empty?" she asked weakly. Yeah you're actually lucky you didn't give it to Kitamura he doesn't know you messed up-" *Thud* again he was cut off, but this time it was by the sound of Taiga's body hitting the ground.

Taiga was currently scarfing down food in front of Ryuuji who stared at her inquisitively. " When was the last time you actually ate," he asked. " It's not my fault I collapsed I got tired of eating convenience store food" she replied back. " Hold on don't your parent's co-" the brunette started but decided to let it go. Takasu offered her a napkin which she swiped out of his hand. " You know none of this would have happened if you had just given me your bag. How are you going to make it up to me" the brunette shot at him? Ryuuji stared at her crumb covered face" You missed a spot". "Whatever you're only on the planet to put garlic and oil in the fried rice," she said.

He was about to retort but decided against it when he saw tears welling up in her embarrassed face. "Hold on wait here," he told her before walking into his room. A few minutes later he dumped a box full of items in front of Taiga. "What is this?" she asked rummaging through the box. " It's the things I made for the girl I'm in love with. Since I don't have the guts to tell her I just fantasize he explained. " For Minori Kushieda" Taiga read out loud causing the color to drain from Takasu. "Seriously you are in love with Minorin you really aim high. She is way out of your league" she commented. "Shut up! Like you're one too talk" he shot back.

Takasu then looked at the time and realized how late it was. " Crap it's late you have to leave my borderline Insane mother will be home any minute now," he said urging her to leave. " No, I'm not going besides I want your opinion on love letters" she started twirling her fingers as she sported a blush. " Look I'll give you any and all relationship advice you want but it will have to be tomorrow because it's late" he begged. " Really would you obey me like a dog?" she asked earning a frantic series of nods from the boy. " Ok then I'll leave," she said as she walked towards the door and onto the balcony.

"I'll walk you home" he offered but was shot down immediately. " Nope, I got this see you tomorrow Ryuuji" Taiga announced her departure exiting his house. Ryuuji couldn't help but sigh tiredly after all who could blame him. Making way to his room and getting into bed he allowed the realm of sleep to engulf him.

It was morning time. The birds were chirping and the roosters were crowing. Everything was very serene especially for the bluentte that was cooking breakfast.

*Riiiiiiiinnnggg* *Riiiiinnnggg*Ryuuji reached for his ring phone and flipped it open. "Hello w-" he was cut off. " Get your ass over here right n-!" Click a loud scream filled his ears. He instantly hung up. Sadly for him, some good things tend to come to an abrupt end." Well, there goes my peaceful day" The teen sighed and called back. " Ok where do you want me to go," he asked and listened to her request

Walking towards his window Ryuuji slid the glass door across. Stepping onto the balcony he was greeted to the sight of Taiga standing in her apartment. "What the what are you-" he started but was cut off for the umpteenth time. "You said you would obey me like a dog. You know what will happen if you don't come over I'll show you" she threatened raising a fist up." Ok Ok give me 10 minutes the rice will be done by then" he reasoned. However, the only reply he got was the audible grumbling of her belly.

"You want breakfast?"

Ryuuji turned the knob to Aisaka's house and to walk in. "Aisaka, It's me I'm coming in" he announced upon entering. A mistake he came to soon regret as he was sucker-punched in the face by a foul stench. "What the hell it smells like ass in here!" he exclaimed trying not to lose his breakfast. Takasu walked into the kitchen and was instantly appalled at what he saw. It was horrifying. Garbage laid everywhere on the ground. Trash and other contents floated into the sink. Her place was a wasteland.

Ryuuji's eyes narrowed into a deadly look. "AAIIISAAAKKAAA" he yelled as he bolted down the hall. Busting into door to door he searched for the small light brunette. Finally getting the right room he busted in extremely forcefully. "AISAKA PLEASE LET ME CLEAN THAT HORRIBLE MESS OF A KIIITTTCCCHHEEENNN" Ryuuji shouted only to see that she was peacefully asleep."She's sleeping and very peaceful at that. Aisaka really looks like a doll, so small and peaceful hell this place is like a dollhouse. It actually feels incredibly empty inside here" he thought out loud walking out of her room and into the kitchen.

"Well, I bet it'll only take me 18 minutes. I really could take the challenge" he said rolling up his sleeves.

Taiga woke up out of bed and began wobbling towards her kitchen with her pillow in hand. Upon entering the kitchen her arms fell limp dropping the pillow in shock. Her place was clean and extremely clean at that. The floors were rid of any and all garbage, her counter we're spotless, and everything was organized neatly. Even the air to it was different. There was an entirely new glow to her apartment. She looked around and met a steaming hot breakfast on her counter. " Hey, It's still a working process here. This place was in complete hell" a masculine voice caught her attention.

It was Ryuuji."It co-" he began again only to be cut off by a pillow hitting his face. "You're trespassing and cleaning without permission, I hope you haven't been marking your territory you dog. " Damn you are one ungrateful after all I did!" he shot back. Aisaka walked towards the table and sat down with a flushed face. " Digging in without saying anything huh?" he asked with a smirk.

"I'd like to thank the Gods of Rice and the farmers who till the ground for the meal and no one else!" she shouted stubbornly. " You are just unbelievable you know that?" he asked before realizing something. " Hey your sniffling is gone," he noticed. She noticed also " Yeah well it's because the place is clean now," she told him.

" And next you say?" he asked

"Shut up!" Taiga exclaimed

Ok, folks, that's it I will be updating weekly or two weeks the most. I know some people might be wondering why I made Ryuuji a martial artist well I don't want to spoil any of my future plans. The scene where he saved Minori was absolutely necessary for this story. Any question about the story feel free to ask just keep all comments appropriate, please. Review down below and I'll see you next time on The Princess and The Dragon. Haha Yes I know I suck at making Titles for stories so I will take any suggestions in what to name this story. See you later for Chapter 2.