AN: To 'ValyTheKing' my wife said she knows what you're asking, but she's too straight to get the 'step on me mommy' vibes from Kafka.

AN2: I found while writing this chapter that writing 'court scenes' is an area I struggle with when it comes to writing. If anyone has any suggestions, or fics for the fandoms I write for that have good court scenes, please leave them in the reviews. (seriously, it took me about a week to write this one chapter while the rest of the updates posted were a couple days collectively)

With the Power of an Avalanche

Chapter 14

-Ilia-

Ears carefully perked; Ilia worked on editing her latest history essay while her 'partner' Weiss was searching online news sites nearby.

"And we're here at Vale's District six courthouse for quite the case today." The voice of Vale's most well-known reporter, Lisa Lavender, came out of the screen as Weiss finally found the information for her brother's lawsuit which was happening today, "A lawsuit between the sons of the Schnee and Winchester families."

"Winchester?" Weiss blinked in surprise at hearing the name that everyone in Beacon knew by now, given the Cafeteria incident and Doctor Oobleck's punishment.

"To those who aren't aware; three weeks ago, Cardin Winchester, son of Uther Winchester, was caught assaulting a student at Beacon Academy." Glancing out of the corner of her eye, Ilia saw the news broadcast showed a recording of the incident "Before being stopped by Whitley Schnee and Jaune Arc." Pictures for all three appeared in the corner of the screen "Cardin Winchester was apparently being put for a disciplinary hearing in regard to potential Suspension or Expulsion for the school's response. Meanwhile, the victim, one Velvet Scarlatina, was given her own option on whether or not to press charges."

As Lisa Lavender spoke, Ilia had to keep herself from smirking at Weiss' surprised expression at the true nature of the lawsuit slowly coming into light "But before any such event could happen, the Winchester family accused Velvet Scarlatina of being a White Fang agent and that both Whitley Schnee and Jaune Arc aid and support the White Fang. No charges have been pressed against either party and the police have confirmed that there is no evidence of any basis for that statement."

Weiss' eyes were slowly widening as the albino girl came to realize just what the nature of this lawsuit that she had belittled her brother about was over. "So now we stand here today as Whitley Schnee, Jaune Arc, and Velvet Scarlatina are suing the Winchester family for defamation, libel, and slander. Velvet Scarlatina is further pressing charges for the assault committed against her person."

"That's what the lawsuit is about?!" Weiss finally found her voice before coughing, hastily straightening her top and trying to act as if she hadn't just been surprised and shouting like she often did.

"But while most would assume that this is all the news about such a case until its conclusion, they'd be mistaken. Earlier today, someone anonymous online posted a video pertaining to the two Daughters of the Schnee name and their stance on their brother's lawsuit." And with that, the recording Ilia had made started to play, revealing everything Weiss and Whitley had said about their brother, their opinions made plain."

"HOW DID THEY GET THAT?!" Weiss gaped as Ilia just did her best to look flabbergasted. Thankfully she'd been able to carefully plant a bug in the corner of the room where she'd been hiding before; and her 'work' covered for her and gave her an alibi.

Five minutes later when Weiss finally found the bug, it took all of Ilia's self-control to keep from laughing.

-Whitley-

Taking a sip of water, Whitley glanced around the courtroom. Coco had made sure he, Jaune, and Velvet were dressed in the best clothes that would fit the situation. Cardin meanwhile had just come wearing his armor and usual sneer as he sat next to the Winchester family lawyer.

The courtroom was filled with people who came to 'spectate' the trial between such big names. The accusations of being terrorism had only further driven the 'drama' of the event.

"There are so many people." Velvet gulped; the rabbit eared second year clutching her skirt nervously as they waited for the judge so court could begin.

"Hey Velve, it's alright." Jaune gave the brunette a grin, trying to calm down their friend who leaned into the comfort, "We've got this. Plus, Whitley has the best lawyer around." Whitley's blond friend nodded to Mr. Desmond at that who nodded in satisfaction at the recognition.

"All rise!" the bailiff called out as Whitley looked up, "The Honorable Judge Maxwell presiding." Whitley and his group rose quickly, keeping their expressions professional and respectful. Cardin had to be pulled up, subtly, by his lawyer as the brute hadn't been paying attention. Taking his seat once again, Whitley steepled his fingers as the lawyers gave the opening statements. Accusations of terrorism were big things, and the ruling here would further impact things when Velvet took Cardin and his cronies to court for assault.

As Jaune got called up first to be cross questioned, Whitley had to keep from scowling. In the 'audience' behind him he could hear Cardin's friends from Beacon, the other ones who had been assaulting Velvet, heckling and jeering.

"Hey, go make me a snack Baking Twink!" the one with the massive mohawk crowed while Cardin and the other two snickered.

"Order!" the judge was far less impressed, "Young man, interrupt like that again and there will be consequences. You can, and will, be held in contempt if you interrupt today's proceedings."

The jeers died down, but Whitley could see Cardin's expression from the corner of his eye. He was annoyed, but not off put. Cardin had a plan; the only question was how good it was.

Jaune, thankfully, kept any sass controlled as he answered the questions asked. Like Whitley had instructed him to, Jaune stuck to the base facts of the situation and tried his best not to get too worked up. They had to come across as the more professional ones after all. After Jaune Velvet went up, then Whitley.

And all throughout the questions being asked, Cardin remained with that same cocky smirk.

Finally, Cardin was called up. Whitley tapped his knee under the table, he didn't know what Cardin's plan was and he hated being in the dark, hated not having all the variables he could.

"Cardin Winchester." Desmond asked, their lawyer having to cover all bases, the Winchesters could easily just claim it was a rumor or they were repeating what they'd heard another say if push came to shove; or claim they hadn't been the ones making the comments at all "Did you, or did you not make accusations of Miss Scarlatina being a member of the White Fang? And of Misters Arc and Schnee of supporting the White Fang?" cover the bases and catch Cardin in a lie if he denied.

"Yeah, so what if I did?" Cardin sneered, the brute's lawyer gaping and too stunned to stop the oaf, "This whole thing is a waste of time. I have freedom of speech; you can't punish me for this." Cardin sneered, cockiness on full display as he revealed his 'master plan'. If he wasn't trying to present a dignified image, Whitley would be face palming loudly.

"Mr. Winchester, freedom of speech does not cover defamation such as Slander or Libel." Desmond deadpanned, "Nor does it cover false accusations of criminal activity." Turning away from the shellshocked Cardin who looked like his whole world view had potentially just shattered, Desmond pulled out several folders "Your Honor, Cardin Winchester just admitted to spreading the statements of defamation that are the subject of todays' suit. Furthermore," he handed the files over "these are documents from the Vale Police Department who have investigated and found no ties between my clients and the White Fang, outside of attacks by said organization on my client's family."

Whitley would never publicly cackle at Cardin's terrified whine of dismay as the situation finally got through his thick skull.

Privately was another matter entirely.

-Cinder-

Sneering as she watched the 'big trial' of Vale going on, Cinder basked in her own feeling of superiority. If this was what the 'great old huntsman families' at Beacon were capable of then she had even less reason to be concerned than she had originally thought.