READ AUTHORS NOTE. IMPORTANT INFORMATION.

As mentioned in the summary, this is a collaboration fic of sorts with Arieko. Only it's more complicated than that. These are two independent yet intertwined stories that take place in the same verse. His story will focus on Yang, Ruby, and some other key characters from the start. Mine will detail other characters of the cast and this AU verse we are building.

The timelines are combined, events that take place in this fic also take place in his, and vise-versa. They may or may not always be mentioned, but they DO happen, and there will be major character crossover. We have yet to determine how exactly meetings will take place, but they will happen.

In order to get the full story you need to read both mine and his, otherwise you're only getting the perspective of one 'person'.

Link on my profile.

From the Ashes: The Burning

"Once you had the power to effect monumental change, would you let fear consume?

Or would you overcome?" -Starset, First Light

August 5th, 2114

The room was tense, almost as tense as it had been decades ago when the first Human-Faunus war broke out. Deep inside the capital building, a meeting was occurring in a beyond secret room. It was all metal, with only the chairs being soft and tolerable.

This room was designed for security, protection. Here comfort was last on the list of priorities. The center of the cold metal room was filled with a table, one that was filled with the most influential people in the entire United Human Front.

On one side sat the President, his green eyes boring into those of his colleges on the other side of this infamous table. His father had been president, and his father before that. William Habsburg had quite the legacy to live up to, and his attire showed as much.

Dressed in a genetic black suit and pants, the tie he worn was red and his hair was short, almost military length. Spine straight, eyes scanning, he took note of those before him and how they would likely vote on this proposition.

On the far right sat Robin Winchester, the supplier of everything military for his nation. His family held massive amounts of power within the military, and his son was currently on his way to being promoted to Sergeant in the famous Phoenix Regiment.

He would be voting yes, he was sure of it.

To the Winchester's left sat Supreme General Port, his normally cheery disposition gone and replaced with morbid anxiety. Port was a man of honor, he had served his father diligently and loyally, but despised war with those he considered to be human. This included faunus.

He would be voting no, even with Winchester here Port would not buckle to the political pressure.

Beside Port sat a good friend of the commander, Oobleck, the current head of the Humanitarian Party Parliament. The party had a near monopoly on the voter base in the country due to the man's amazing political ability and common sense. His green hair also attracted the hipster vote.

That being said, he was a history buff, and most historians saw the first Human-Faunus war as a major mistake. He would likely vote no, but may still be convinced otherwise.

So far its 1 yay and 2 nay, this was looking favorable for his own personal goal of a peaceful legacy filled with technological advance and economic boom. His son or daughter could go to war, he did not want his name being on this declaration of war.

However, as President, he had the obligation to listen to his constituents. These were the people who got him into office, as such he owed them more than the voters. A sad truth of politics, but a very obvious one.

Besides, the masses didn't have the intelligence or logical facilities needed to make this decision. The people assembled before him had those two things in spades.

To the left of the majority leader sat a man his family both feared and admired. Ozpin, simple first name, but not even he knew the man's last name. Nobody did.

Ozpin was the head of Research and Development, as well as agriculture and a few more minor stations. He would remove the scientist had he the ability to do so, but as it stood the grey-haired man was here to stay. He had connections, connections that could bring even him down for the count.

Ozpin's political power aside, he had insisted that his assistant Cinder Fall also be present for this meeting. She didn't get a vote, he ensured that much, but her presence alone spoke volumes on how much power this man wielded.

His vote could very-well sway undecided ones to his side, the worst part was that he knew nothing of Ozpin's agenda when it came to war with the faunus.

A wild card. Habsburg's hate wild cards.

Skimming over the very attractive and youthful figure of Cinder, his green eyes met ice as he settled on the Schnee couple. They never made decisions without the other, and were always a duo in political meetings.

Alexander Schnee and his wife Althaia were two of the most powerful people in the UHF. Their dynasty had a monopoly on everything medical, with them expanding deep into the mining business. With the Faunus nation of Empousai refusing to deal with humans in any capacity, the resources of the other race on Remnant were off limits to them.

He had the sinking suspicion that they would vote yes. Damn Schnee, so driven to be the best.

Moving on.

Next was the famous Nikos dynasty representative. Their trademark fire red hair made them appear to be great warriors, nothing could be farther from the truth. Their legacy was built upon crafty diplomacy and fair dealings, the Nikos families also had an uncanny ability to administrate or lead.

This lead to the Winchester and Nikos families having a feud of sorts, with the Schnee family allying with the Nikos dynasty due to their noncompetitive nature and lack of economic ambition. Last he heard the two family's heirs were good childhood friends, but this vote may shatter the sensitive alliance.

The Nikos family was one of the few human dynasties allowed to talk with the faunus nation and business leaders. This made them allies of the race in matters such as this, and a Nikos never betrays their allies, even if it may mean their demise.

However, if the war was approved, they would have to go to war. They had sworn allegiance to this union of humanity long ago, and that ancient pledge was considered to be the Holy Grail in Nikos family teaching.

Athena Nikos would vote no, and would not be moved.

Finally, his gaze drifted to the oddball of this meeting. Roman Torchwick.

Roman Torchwick is officially considered to be one of the most wanted criminals on the planet. His operations cross racial and bureaucratic lines, he had been found by his country's authorities not long ago. The Habsburg's always knew where to look, but the people of this county need an internal enemy to fear. Otherwise his family could lose elections.

Fear is a great tool if controlled. However, his family could no longer curb the fear of the people when it came to the faunus race. Many were clamoring for war, a war to end all wars, a war of extinction.

A war for genocide.

Roman was brought here for one reason and one reason only; he had more intelligence on the faunus than anyone, including Ozpin, did. He knew of their tech levels, security exploits, military organization, economic strongholds; everything a war effort needed.

He would also be a useful ally in making civil dissent in the faunus nation. Of course, authorities at home would start turning a blind eye, but the gains more than made up for the losses.

He didn't get an official vote, he was here to supply those with votes with the information they needed to make a logical assessment.

Overall, it didn't look too good. Two yays from Schnee and Winchester, 2 nays from Port and Nikos, and two unknowns from Ozpin and Oobleck. The last thing the President wanted was a war waged for the genocide of an entire race.

However, his opinions were the last thing on anyone's minds here. It was time he get this meeting started. Clearing his throat, the President of the UHF began the meeting that would forever change the world.

"I'm sure you all know why we're here. We will be skipping the pleasantries, we need to discuss the possibility of another Human-Faunus war."

Nobody was shocked, everyone saw this coming.

"With this in mind, the voting format will go as such. First, Roman Torchwick will present us with his knowledge of Empousai, followed by any questions you may have. After this, you will vote one by one and give a reason for your vote. Any objections?"

None objected, but Nikos looked really uncomfortable.

"Roman, you may proceed."

"As you wish, my master."

Oh, he was going to kill that scumbag of a man once this was through.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, first I would like to thank you for gracing me with your presence. Secondly, I woul-"

"Roman! Get on with it!"

"Guh. Fine, no fun, this one."

Fiddling with his scroll, Roman activated the hologram projectors and allowed his presentation to play. His most trusted staff had seen it and approved of it, so there wasn't anything to worry about.

"Getting serious here, I'm surprised you guys haven't noticed the rapid increase in productivity."

His point was accentuated by graphs appearing before them, and if they were to be taken seriously did not bode well. Their industrial sector was booming, and the productivity curve was reaching its height.

"This is due to rapid advances in technology, as well as a massive increase in military might. Someone's gatta buy all the shit they make. I don't have exact number, but I would guess that their entire military ranges between 400-600 thousand in total manpower. I can't begin to speculate on the skill of the military."

What the hell were they preparing for? Not more than a few years ago their military had only 200,000 men and women. This massive buildup was a warning sign, a sign that they were preparing for war. How had his intelligence officers missed this?

"New armor with better weapons...improved small arms. Yea, they are basically ramping up the production of everything, especially in the military sector."

More holograms of the aforementioned items, but all William could feel was fear; fear filled his belly and heart. Fear for his family, fear for his people, fear for his race. He was convinced; these faunus needed to be brought down, and they needed to be brought down now.

Humanity and Faunus could no longer live side by side, one needed to rise while the other fell.

"They are also dipping their toes into genetic research to further improve their already superior strength and senses. Now, you may be wondering how I know all this, and as your trusted presenter I can say that running a criminal empire requires some powerful allies. I'm sure you know what I mean."

Some profiles of Faunus leaders came up, all of them apparently in Roman's pocket. Most were in the police force, but a few were higher ups in the research division as well as the bureaucracy of Empousai. If these people really were in his pocket, then it's easy to see how Roman knew these things.

Assuming he was telling the truth; but they had no choice but to assume so. He was the only eyes and ears in Empousai that could be even remotely trusted.

"Really, I'm just going to transfer other crucial info to your scrolls. If I tried to present everything here we would be here for an insane amount of time. Now, raise your hands and wait until you're called on for questions."

"Do you think war is the only option?" Nikos instantly asked the criminal his opinion on the matter, completely disregarding the 'raise your hands' tangent. This may prove to be interesting.

"Ah, the question we're all here to answer. Honestly, whether there is a war or not, my existence will continue, and my operations will always exist. I don't have a vested interest going either way. That being said, I don't think an all out war is the BEST option, but I don't think they're giving you much of a choice."

"So you think this build-up is for war?" Nikos really didn't want to get a yes, but Roman's sudden change in demur at the question told the Hapsburg all he needed to know.

"I don't see any other reasons for the sudden ramping up of the military-industrial complex, nor do I see any other legitimate explanation pertaining to the genetic research and weapons improvement. Whether or not you want war, Mrs. Nikos, it's coming, you best prepare."

Well, that was unexpected.

"Now, any other questions? Or can I bail?"

"You think we should attack or defend?" And so the Winchester finally asked a question and revealed his vote in the same stride. Either he wasn't too intelligent or didn't care others now know of his intentions.

"The longer you wait, the more they can build up. That's all I can say, you have a military mastermind here, don't ask me those kinds of questions. Anything else?"

"Do you happen to have any of the research files? We would love to have a look at them." Ozpin's cool yet charismatic voice carried through the chamber, Roman just shook his head negative. Apparently there was some kind of tension between the two.

No one else had a question to ask, they were just going through their scrolls to review all the information. Time for Roman to go. Hitting a button under the desk, two guards were summoned inside. They weren't in the suit and sun-glasses getup. These soldiers were in full combat gear.

"Please escort Roman out of the building and to where we originally picked him up at."

A salute was all he received in return, and then Roman was gone and the room was plunged into a tense silence. He would give the parties here a few minutes to collect their thoughts and information, then they could vote and possibly debate about it.

The minuets felt like hours, and the President solidified his own opinion. War was the only option; negotiation was impossible, and the military buildup could not be ignored. The fears of the general population had been correct, the faunus were plotting their destruction.

It was time to end this.

"Winchester, you will vote first, followed by those to the left of you. Keep it brief and to the point."

"I vote for war, we must be the first to strike hard and fast, otherwise they will be the ones to surprise us. It's obvious what they intend to do, it's time we show them who's boss."

The room shifted its attention to the Supreme General, who looked extremely conflicted. After a short silence, he spoke.

"I...I don't think war is ever the answer, but we need to increase our own production if we are to match the faunus. We can't afford to trust them, if they break through our defenses no one will be safe. We-I-I vote yes."

That was surprising, and Nikos gasped at this sudden change of position. But, Oobleck now had the floor, it was time to see what the parliament leader thought.

"I will have to agree with Commander Port, as much as I believe war to be a mistake, we can't afford to be the ones caught off guard. Seeing as this vote is a simple yes and no, I will have to reluctantly vote yes."

War was guaranteed at this point, this was now a formality.

"I don't think I need to explain anything, we at R&D support this aggressive action."

The battle was joined, Nikos was now alone. Schnee was about to vote yes before Athena interrupted.

"You people are unbelievable, are you really going to take his word as fact?"

Winchester rose to her challenge in a second.

"What if he is right? What if we don't prepare and they come crashing into our homes? We can't afford to be caught unprepared! We need to be ready, and we need to make the first strike!"

"Coward, you let fear rule your heart. You all allow fear to control you, this is a black stain on all of us if you decide to do this. Schnee, you can't really start a war just for resources!"

The Schnee couple looked at each other, and it looked like a conversation went between the two in seconds. As if connected the two faced their ally at the same time and Alexander spoke for the both of them.

"This is no longer about our business, this is about our daughter and survival. Call us cowards all you want, but we will not gamble with our family's well being. The Schnee dynasty will support you, Mr. Hapsburg, in this war effort."

"Alexander! You can't do this!"

"We have no choice! Do you truly want to risk seeing your daughter die? We will not gamble with Weiss' life!"

"Instead you would rally for the killing of an entire species?! Have you gone mad?! This isn't just a war, this is going to be a war to end all wars!"

The two Schnee glance at each other once more, Althaia nodded and Alexander closed his eyes in resignation as he spoke his final words on the matter.

"We would rather see humanity be the only ones alive with our daughter safe than have the constant threat of annihilation hovering over us. We're sorry, Athena, but you can't change our minds."

"Fine, you all know our stance on this horrid idea, but we are nothing if not a family of integrity. You have our support should you decide to do this."

Almost unanimous. This was...unexpected to say the least. But, he knew what needed to be done, the faunus fired the first shot when they began to ramp up their military.

War was coming, and humanity was going to come out on top.

The following months proved to be interesting; the United Human Front began to pump everything it had into making more industrial goods and ramping up the production of military good. The human war machine was sparked into existence and its fires would not be extinguished.

Tanks, artillery, small arms, planes, harrier jets, infantry trucks; everything was being built in bulk as volunteers and conscripted alike joined the ranks of the military for immediate rigorous training. War fever swept the nation as more and more people began to believe in the morality of their actions.

Everyone was doing their part; the Schnee mines were continually supplying more and more metals to the Winchester factories. The stockpile of medicine continued to build and medics were given more powerful but still experimental painkillers and disinfectants.

One of these things was called dust, and it was invented by Ozpin's medical research division. Ozpin did more than his fair share, experimental weapons were designed, tested, and approved in blinding speed. The Airship was conceived and born, as were advanced suits of armor capable of drastically improving one's combat ability. These were expensive to build and maintain, so only a few airships were built with only a few hundred suits being declared combat ready.

The Winchester's military-industrial complex couldn't be more efficient in its production of military hardware. Massive amounts of military and civilian goods alike came pouring from the furnaces of the Winchester's war machine. They built their empire on war, they reveled in this.

Even the Nikos dynasty pulled their weight, convincing other reluctant families to put their resources into the many state and private projects. The three big names weren't the only nobles in the UHF, and the full backing of nearly every wealthy family proved to be priceless.

General Port made battle plans, with Ozpin giving him constant updates on the 'Resurrection' Project; a project aimed at being able to drop an automated army anywhere in the world and have it combat ready. The rise of the animatrons was at hand, with Ozpin leading the charge. This lead to an interesting battlefront.

The two species had been separated by a mile wide demilitarized zone since the end of the fist Human-Faunus war. It spanned the entire length of the border and was heavily fortified on both sides. Hiding troop buildup is near impossible, masking armor and artillery as non-combat vehicles is impossible, but assembling an army there isn't.

Boxes full of parts for automated soldiers poured to the front line under the veil of food and other military hardware. Engineers of all trades and types united to build the robots; airships masked as clouds would control the army from above on the day of combat, the things were radar shielded.

Roman played his part well, reports of high crime rates and borderline riots reached the ears of the United Human government, the faunus of Empousai were unhappy and ready for a change in administration. This meant there wasn't nearly as big a volunteer reserve as there should have been, the pieces were all falling into place.

In the final two months before the day of attack, Oobleck put his political genius to work. All politicians who secretly or openly opposed war were relieved of their posts. For the first time in human history all of Parliament was united for one goal, one purpose.

Devastating anti-faunus ads and propaganda swept the nation as media all across the land continued to hype up the faunus threat. The president himself came to the rallying call for war in the last days before the conflict.

A speech was given the day before the war was to be declared, if there were any left who doubted the need for this war none remained after the President, with the entire UHF Parliament and Judicial Branch behind him, stated his support for a punitive action against the faunus. Their blocking of economic progress was to be destroyed.

Their unjust claims on land were to be torn from them.

Their culture was too dangerous, they needed to be assimilated or exiled.

Their military was growing too fast, it needed to be decimated.

They were a threat, and threats need to be eliminated.

On the day of declaration, the beginning of Operation Resurgence, which was September 23rd 2115, the entire world was waiting for the war to end all wars to begin.

The world was set to burn.