An AU set in RWBY's future where, in the aftermath of an attack on Salem's Lair where humanity is victorious, Jaune is crowned King of Vale.
Jaune and Oscar were sitting together in the corner of a small restaurant in Vale discussing something important. "The people have chosen you, Jaune," Oscar informed him. Even to this day, Jaune could always recognize whenever he was speaking to Oscar or to Ozpin, and this time, it was Ozpin.
"Me? I…I am honored…but why me?" Jaune asked. He fidgeted his fingers together and shifted in his seat, one of his usual habits he exhibits whenever he is nervous.
"You know full well why. You lead the army of Men and Faunus against Cinder alongside Ruby. You defeated Cinder Fall, and not only that, but you freed everyone she had captured and held prisoner."
Jaune recalled that day vividly, even if it was nearly a year ago. He could recall every Grimm he slaughtered as he and his army plowed their way through the Grimm legions and into the castle. He could remember how he broke apart from Ruby and his friends to find Cinder, who he found down int the dungeons. The ringing of steel echoed in his ears as Crocea Mors met each of Cinder's blades, until he finally broke through her defenses, blasted away her Fall magic with his Aura, and plunged his blade through her heart. He remembered how he forced her attention on him, forcing the Fall Maiden's magic to seek out a random new successor because she thought of him.
"So I killed Cinder. That doesn't make me suitable to be king," Jaune retorted.
"And what of your great-great-grandfather, Jaundice? He was the King of Vale during the Great War, after all. That makes you a legitimate heir to the throne."
Jaune leaned forward in his seat. "Vale hasn't had a king since the Great War!"
"And the people have voted that now is the time for someone proper to rule Vale. The people have chosen you, Jaune. You lead the armies against Salem, you killed the Fall Witch, you and Ruby both brought peace to Remnant…You saved Pyrrha…"
Jaune suddenly lost his voice and fell into the back of his chair. Of all the things that happened on that night––the night that made history––Pyrrha was the most vivid.
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Jaune had just defeated Cinder, forcing the magic within her to leave, seeking out a random, new successor. Jaune applied some Aura to his shoulder where Cinder cut him, and the wound instantly healed. He grabbed the key ring and dashed for the cell block, where he found his old allies locked inside. Allies that he saw got burned into glowing ashes and teleported to Salem's Castle. He found Emerald and Mercury huddled together in a tiny, dinky cell; their punishment for betraying Cinder and revealing the location of the Castle to the kingdoms. "Jaune?" Emerald moaned when she saw him. Jaune opened the cell and let them out, directing them towards a medical squad within the castle near the entrance. He continued on, where he released Velvet, Cardin, and Yatsuhashi within one cell, Ren in another, Neptune and Scarlet in a third, and on and on. "Get upstairs, get medical attention, and if any of you are ready and able, fight for us!" Jaune ordered them all upon releasing everyone. Everyone cheered and headed upstairs while Jaune stayed to ensure he did not miss anyone.
Tucked farthest away from the prison's stairway entrance, Jaune found a tiny cell built into an alcove of stone and rock. The cell was barely big enough for one person and contained only a small stone slab to serve as a seat. Inside the cell was the crumbled body of a young woman covered in cuts, bruises, and scars. Jaune could not see her face, but he recognized her long, fiery-red hair. "PYRRHA!" Jaune cried as he tugged on the cell door. He completely forgot about the keys and instead broke the lock with the pommel of his sword and swung the cell door open, making it crash against the stone wall. He fell before figure and pulled her into his arms, where he saw her staring blankly at him, her eyes seemingly void of life. Directly in between her cleavage was a visible scar, a memento of the arrow that struck her atop Beacon Tower. The arrow that locked her position atop the tower and teleported her to Salem's Castle. "Pyrrha! It's me! It's Jaune!' he told her, cupping his hand onto her cheek, but she gave no response. "Pyrrha…please…" He channeled Aura into his hand and applied it to her skin, warming her up. Pyrrha suddenly hummed and leaned into his hand.
For Pyrrha, she had spent nearly five years in her cell without any contact aside from Salem, and the isolation and bitter living conditions have dulled her mind, but when Jaune touched her with his Aura, she recognized its warm touch right away. Her mind suddenly sprang back to life and she moved her body again. Her head drooped forward onto Jaune's, knocking their heads together, and suddenly… "Jaune?" she moaned, gazing up at him.
Tears rushed to Jaune's eyes and he pulled her close to himself. "I'm here…" he whispered before he gave her a loving kiss. "…It's okay now…I'm here…" He pulled away and gave her a comforting smile. "Hello again." He remained down in the prison for a while, holding her close, never wanting to let go of her again, all while she clung to him.
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"Jaune, you are the best choice to become our next Vale King. Our commanders believe it, and the people of Vale believe it too. If you become king, you could lead Vale to better prosperity in this new age of peace," Oscar finished before standing up. "And while I wish I didn't have to say this, you don't really have much of a choice either." Oscar took his leave, leaving Jaune alone. Jaune eventually went home, where he was greeted by Pyrrha; she has been staying at his home ever since she fully recovered from the Battle of Salem. Jaune loved it whenever he came home, because Pyrrha's smile and hugs always brightened even the worst of his days.
"I'm home," he called to her before she came in and gave him a big hug.
"How did the meeting go? Pyrrha asked him. Jaune has always told her everything, and she knows about the kingdom's decision to appoint a king to rule over Vale, just as Jaune's great-great-grandfather Jaundice did during the time of the Great War. Jaune repeated everything Oscar told him, and Pyrrha gave him a warm smile. "I have to agree with Oscar, you are the perfect candidate for this."
"All because I lead an army against Salem and because I'm a 'natural-born strategist'," Jaune argued.
"Not just that, but you have a good heart, one that always knows the right thing to do, no matter the cost, and you are not just strong, but wise and courageous. I would be proud to have you as my king, and one that I would dutifully serve, just as I was when you were named my leader," Pyrrha assured him. Pyrrha's words rose Jaune's spirits a little, for he knew she was correct. Maybe he was the proper choice for such a role. Maybe this is what his life was leading to. He embraced her in a loving hug and kissed her cheek.
"Thanks, Pyr," he whispered to her. "You will come to my coronation, right?"
"I wouldn't miss it for the world, Jaune."
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Many from all over Remnant gathered in Vale to witness the coronation of Vale's new king. News that Jaune Arc was to be crowned king spread everywhere, attracting all sorts of people to witness, especially the most important of the high-class nobles, Huntsmen, officials, and far more arrived to witness the crowning of their new king. Not only that, but many news teams were on set to broadcast this world-changing event to all four kingdoms. Pyrrha stood in the front row among her friends and Jaune's family; Jaune requested they stand up front alongside Oscar, General Ironwood, the Headmasters and Headmistress of the four academies, and more. "I must admit, when I first saw Jaune back when we were in Beacon, I'd never think he would grow up to become a king of all things," Weiss casually told Pyrrha, whom she was standing next to. "I mean, I always knew I would take over the Schnee Dust Company one day, but Jaune as King of Vale? Jaune as Guardian of Remnant? Jaune as the Leader of the Four Armies? I'd have laugh if you told me he would amount to such things." Pyrrha gave a confused chuckle while Weiss looked upon the throne that Jaune will soon sit upon. "And now look at him, about to rule over all of Vale after leading an army against the Grimm Queen. I must say, I'm proud of him." Pyrrha flashed a smile at Weiss.
In a room in the back, two handmaidens were dressing Jaune in his coronation robes while Oscar waited by the door. Jaune had to spin around a few times as each handmaiden either slipped his arms through sleeves, put robes onto him, adorn his body in jewelry, and put fine boots onto his feet. Once they had finished dressing him, the handmaidens departed, leaving Jaune alone with Oscar. "You'll be expected to give a speech detailing what you intend to do as Vale's first king since the Great War, so you know," Oscar advised the king-to be. "Also, you will be expected to marry a woman to be your queen as well."
"Wait…what?!" Jaune blurted out, making Oscar chuckle.
"That's correct. Now, the old Vale Council, which will now become your new council, recommends that you marry someone wealthy and powerful to ensure good ties between kingdoms. They're sure to recommend Weiss Schnee, head of the Schnee Dust Company, as she is still single, as well as young and a former classmate of yours…but knowing you, Jaune, I imagine you have someone…more ordinary in mind?"
Jaune stopped observing himself in the mirror to ponder what Oscar said, and the wise young man knew exactly what Jaune was thinking.
"I suppose Pyrrha is just some ordinary woman now, given that everyone has forgotten her celebrity persona after five years. I remember when she discovered this, she felt overjoyed to be able to walk down the street without having people recognize her as the 'Invincible Girl' or whatever."
"As I recall, you were the only one who didn't recognize her celebrity image upon meeting her. In fact, it was recognizing her as the face of Pumpkin Pete's cereal that made you realize she was a big deal, wasn't it?" Now it was Ozpin.
Jaune slipped a chuckle. "Yeah, that was it. I thought it was funny how I ate so much of the cereal to get my old Pumpkin Pete hoodie only to go off the cereal just when Pyrrha started modeling for the thing." Oscar smiled seeing Jaune reminiscence about the old days. "Oscar, could I marry Pyrrha? I mean, if I refuse to marry someone like Weiss, couldn't it damage our ties to the other kingdoms?"
"Of course not. Having such a marriage would make it easier, yes, but not required. Besides, both you and Weiss are friends. She trusts and respects you, and will gladly aid you in whatever you intend to do for Vale's future for good intentions. I'll leave you to think it over, but be quick, the ceremony is about to begin." Oscar took his leave, leaving Jaune alone. A few minutes later, and a handmaiden came to escort Jaune around to the front of the main hall.
Out in the main hall, the high priest came out before everyone. Near him, a young man held a cushion bearing a golden crown encrusted with many gems and a large, brilliant sapphire engraved in the central headpiece. "We are gathered here today to witness the crowning of our new king!" boomed the high priest. "The Kingdom of Vale has not had a king since the times of the Great War, and it was that previous King, Jaundice Arc, who ended the war. Now, we are here to crown his descendent, Jaune Arc, who lead the Armies of the Four Kingdoms against the Grimm Queen, as our new king to lead us further into this age of peace." Nothing spectacular, but it was the truth.
A choir of fanfare echoed out, turning everyone's attention towards the back of the hall, where Jaune stood dressed in his robes and with his sword at his hip. He marched down the center row, registering everyone that was watching him. Some glared at him with approval, some with disbelief, and some were simple looks. Jaune came up the short stairs and came before the throne made for him. Atop the throne, Jaune could see the Arc crest built above it, giving off a vibrant yellow sheen.
Jaune kneeled before the high priest, who took up the golden crown and placed it upon his head. "And so you, Jaune Arc of Vale, is now King of Vale!" Jaune stood up, and upon doing so, the entire hall erupted in applause. Jaune looked upon the people he now rules and must lead. Once the applause had subsided, Jaune knew he would have to speak to the people.
"This world is a strange, unjust world full of mystery and wonders," Jaune began. "The four kingdoms have emerged victorious against the Grimm Queen Salem. We have united together in peace and Mankind and the Faunus live together in harmony. However, peace cannot last forever; we can only delay the troubles and extend peace a while longer. The Grimm Queen may be dead, but the Grimm still haunt Remnant, and it is likely that they shall until the end of time. As your new king, I swear I will maintain our peace and I shall do everything in my power to fight the Grimm." A round of applause. "I intend to create a group of highly-trained Huntsmen and Huntresses who, after swearing allegiance to Vale, will serve as knights. These Knights of the Holy Spear, as I shall call them, will answer to I, but they will serve the people. In time, when their numbers grow large enough, they will spread to the many towns and villages outside of Vale's and the coastline cities' protective walls. With knights at every town and village, casualties of Grimm shall decrease immensely." Everyone applauded at this new action. Some even recognized that Jaune wants to name his knights after the legend of Aziela, the Goddess of Victory, who was said to wield a magical spear in battle. "I know that I am young and inexperienced to be a king, even after everything I've done in my life, but what I've done is of the life of a warrior, not a king, I understand that. Which is why I will not rule alone. I will take someone to be my wife and your queen." A round of murmurs and gasps emerged as people's minds buzzed as to who would be chosen for such an important role. "I know the perfect woman for such a role, and she is someone who I trust above everyone else. Someone who has been there for me long before I became a king, a general, and a Huntsman."
Jaune descended the stairs and went towards Pyrrha. Suffice to say, everyone, Pyrrha especially, was shocked by this move. He moved close to Pyrrha, took her hand in his, and gave her a warm smile. "Pyrrha, I love you, and I know this is rather sudden, but will you marry me?" Even being her king, he spoke to her just as he would back when they were at Beacon years ago.
Pyrrha suddenly teared up. While her relationship with Jaune has grown more intimate since he brought her home from Salem's Castle, she never expected him to do something like this so suddenly. She nodded, and so Jaune lead her up before the throne. The high priest returned to them, now holding a chord made of silver rope. This rope serves a symbol of love and marriage and has been blessed in holy water, and one is always used to bind newlyweds together. The high priest bounded Jaune and Pyrrha's wrists together. "On this most holy of days, we unite these two souls together in holy matrimony," he declared while Jaune and Pyrrha stared unto each other. "Your Majesty, do you take this woman to be your wife, to have and to hold, to cherish and love until Death do you part?"
"No, I won't," Jaune declared, surprising everyone, especially Pyrrha, who's mind suddenly thought that this was a farce towards her, but Jaune's smile did not fade. He drew close to Pyrrha. "Pyrrha, I will always love you, and I swear that when Death takes us both, I will still love you, even into death. That's a promise, and you know full well that an Arc never goes back on his promises." Pyrrha teared up again, but she held in her joyous cries.
"Pyrrha Nikos, do you take this man to be your husband, to have and to hold, to cherish and love…even if Death takes you both?" the high priest continued, changing the rites to fit Jaune's vow.
"Yes! Yes, I do!" Pyrrha cried. She jumped into his arms and sealed their union with a passionate kiss, which Jaune accepted.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife, king and queen," he finished with a smile, feeling content at seeing such passionate young love. Everyone erupted into thunderous applause while Jaune and Pyrrha stayed glued together. Their kiss felt far different then their past kisses; it felt akin to their first kiss during the Battle of Beacon, when everything changed for the two of them, but far greater in meaning.
The two eventually broke apart, allowing the high priest to remove the silver rope from their wrists. A young man with a cushion bearing a golden queen's crown approached his king, where Jaune took the crown into his hands. Pyrrha knelt before him and he placed the crown upon her head. "Pyrrha Nikos Arc, my love, I hereby name you Queen of Vale!" he declared. Pyrrha stood again, this time greeted by joyous applause from everyone. The two faced their subjects and clasped hands together.
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Long after the coronation ceremony had ended and the masses have left, Jaune and Pyrrha were together in their new bedroom in the castle. Pyrrha has already gotten undressed and climbed into their four-poster king-sized bed while Jaune was fiddling with one of his robes in a bid to get it off. "I can still hardly believe we're married now, Pyrrha. Not only that, but king and queen of Vale! I swear, if I was younger and was told I'd be here right now, I would call them out on being crazy." The two laughed. "I gotta say, I'm looking forward to relaxing for a bit, especially since we'll be planning our honeymoon soon."
"Well, don't relax just yet, Jaune," Pyrrha purred at him. He glanced over at her and noticed that she was completely naked in bed and was eying him like a predator would eye its prey. "We still have to consummate our marriage." She beckoned him to come over, which made him blush a deep red. He finished undressing and climbed into bed with her. He gave her a passionate kiss, then pulled at the drawstrings and the four drapes fell down the sides of the bed, enshrouding them in privacy.