*Ok, this is a LONG ass chapter. Sorry it took so long. Please tell me if I did a good job or not when you're done reading it. It took FOREVER to write and my mind feels fried*

"Caroline, have you seen Madelyn's pink princess slippers?" Claire asks slowly moving down the staircase to the main floor of the Abattoir.

"Claire" Claire's head snaps up. She freezes on the third to last step of the staircase as she sees Caroline standing next to their mother, Liz Forbes. "Hi" Liz says with a hesitant smile as she takes a small step towards her youngest.

"Mom" Claire says not bothering to hide the shock. 

Claire knew her mom was coming to New Orleans, Claire wanted her here for the birth but now that she's actually there Claire felt mixed emotions. She tries to push all the drama from Mystic Falls to the back of her head but it was hard. Claire knew she needed to move on, Mystic Falls was years ago. They've both changed and Claire wanted Liz to be apart of Madelyn and her new baby's lives.

"I didn't know you were going to be here today" Claire says slowly walking down the remainder of the steps.

"I got an earlier flight, I didn't want to miss the birth" Liz says rubbing her hands together nervously. "I hope that's alright..."

"It's perfect" Claire smiles. "I'm really glad you're here" Liz smiles slowly relaxing. Claire looks behind her and at Caroline who's grinning from ear to ear. Claire rolls her eyes at her sister. "I'm sure Caroline will be able to show you to your room"

"Come on, mom" Caroline speaks up grabbing one of Liz's bags. Caroline walks past Claire and up the stairs.

"Thank you for inviting me to be here" Liz says walking up to Claire.

"I wanted you to be here" Claire says grabbing Liz's hand. Liz smiles giving Claire's hand a gentle squeeze before following after Caroline. Claire sighs softly and rubs her stomach.

"Well, everything's set up, Caitlin and her family is settled into the hotel down the street. Liz has made it here safely," Henrik says walking up to Claire snapping her out of her thoughts. "Now all we have to do is wait for this one to come out" He says placing his hands on either side of her stomach. Claire smiles at his hands before looking up at him.

"I can't wait, I'm so tired of having this baby in my stomach" Claire tells him. "I just want her out and I want her in my arms"

"She'll be here soon" Henrik says grinning at her. He leans forward and kisses her forehead. "You look beautiful"

"I look like a balloon" Claire deadpans.

"Who doesn't like balloons?" Henrik asks smirking. "They're the life of the party" Claire smiles  at him.

"Mommy! I found my slippers!" Madelyn shouts from upstairs. "They were in my room just like you said!"

"Of course they were" Claire laughs shaking her head.

"Mommy! Grandma's here!" Madelyn squeals racing towards Liz. Claire grins at the excitement in Madelyn's voice. She turns back to Henrik and notices his attention is elsewhere.

"What is it?" Claire asks rubbing his arm lightly. She follows his gaze towards the front of the compound and notices her Uncle Jim strolling in through the front door. "Jim" Claire walks around Henrik. "Where have you been?"

"Hey, Claire" He smiles at her. "I just... I needed some time to myself after..." His voice slowly fades. Claire gives him a small smile as she remembers her Aunt Henley. Henley and Jim were the closest, have been ever since they were little. When Henley died, Jim couldn't bare it. "I figured I've been gone long enough, I want to come back"

"I'm glad you're back" Claire says giving him a side hug. Jim smiles and gives her side a gentle squeeze. "Hanna's upstairs, I'm sure she'd love to see you"

"What about my parents?" Jim asks.

"At the plantation. It's almost done with renovations and they wanted to stay there, stay closer to Henley" Claire tells him gently. Jim nods in understanding before walking up the steps and towards his sisters room. "Well, at least most of the family is together" Claire says to Henrik.

"Rebekah sends her best," Elijah says coming out of one of the rooms. "Her and Asher have arrived in Fiji." Claire smiles at the information.

"Well, at least they're somewhere fun and non-stressful" Claire says looking on the bright side. Elijah smiles and nods. "Has anybody heard from Penny and Kai?"

"They were in Portland but I don't believe they're there anymore" Elijah tells her. "But they're both safe as well as the hybrids that accompanied them"

"Kol and Enzo got rid of the threats within the French Quarter coven, the werewolves are no longer a threat, and the vampires are on our side," Claire thinks out loud. "The humans have remained ignorant to our lives and the council is cooperating. Everyone's playing nice."

"Everyone is playing nice" Elijah confirms.

"Is this what it feels like to be at peace?" Claire questions teasingly. Elijah smiles kissing her lips lightly.

"You shouldn't be on your feet for so long" Elijah mutters.

"I'm fine, Elijah" She tells him stubbornly. He raises any eyebrow knowing that her back and feet were killing her. She smiles innocently back at him.

"Mommy! Mommy!" Madelyn shouts breaking the staring contest Elijah and Claire were having. The six year-old races down the steps and hops towards her mother. "Grandma said we could go out for ice cream with Aunt Caroline and Uncle Enzo"

"Oh, yeah?" Claire asks smiling down at her. "What kind of ice cream are you gonna get?"

"Chocolate!" Madelyn declares loudly. "No, Cookies 'N Cream! Strawberry!" 

"So many choices, how will you ever choose?" Henrik asks and Madelyn sighs dramatically.

"I don't know" Madelyn whined.

"Don't worry, Cupcake" Enzo says scooping her into his arms and spinning her around. "I'll buy you all the ice cream you want" He promises with a wink.

"Enzo" Claire says warningly.

"What?" He asks innocently as he tosses Madelyn in the air. She giggles and squeals loudly while he catches her before she could hit the ground.

"Not too much" Claire mothers.

"But mom" Madelyn whines hanging in Enzo's arms.

"You can have two scoops" Claire tells her. Madelyn puts looking at her mother hanging upside down. Claire holds up two fingers.

"That looks like three from my position" Madelyn says as a matter factly. Henrik laughs loudly while Elijah grins at her. Claire turns her eyes to Elijah and he shrugs slightly.

"What are you teaching her?" Claire asks quietly. Elijah laughs and gives Claire a small wink.  "Two, Madelyn" Claire says sternly while trying to hide a smile of her own. Madelyn groans loudly.

"Fine" Enzo smirks and sets her on the ground. Claire watches as they, Liz and Caroline leave the compound for some ice cream.

Despite Claire's bumpy past with Liz, her mother seemed to fit right in. Caroline was obviously happy to have their mother in their lives regularly again. Liz absolutely adored being around Madelyn, the two always seemed to be together. It was still slightly awkward for Claire to be around her so much but they were getting better. As the days turned into weeks, Claire didn't regret inviting her mother to New Orleans.

"Bill would have been very proud of the life you built here" Liz says sitting besides Claire. 

"Please" Claire scoffs. "He's probably rolling in his grave right now" Claire says rubbing her stomach. "He could barely handle the thought of Caroline being a vampire. Do you really think he would be proud of me being engaged to 5 vampires and pregnant with a hybrid baby?"

"I think he would have been proud about you having a college degree-"

"In Occult Studies" Claire cuts her off. "And I barely passed. I'm still convinced Kol compelled some of the teachers to give me a passing grade"

"Claire, he would have been proud of you being the mother you are" Liz tells her. "He'd be proud of your character, how you handle situations. Yes, there are some things he wouldn't like but look at the live you've built beside your fiance's."

"It wasn't easy" Claire tells her.

"You don't give up," Liz points out. "Whether you agree or not, he would be proud of you" Claire gives her a small smile while looking down at her stomach.

"I miss him" Claire whispers.

"I do too, believe it or not" Liz smiles at her. 

"Oh" Claire whimpers holding her stomach. Liz frowns her eyebrows and leans towards her. "Oh, shit" Claire's eyes screw shut.

"You alright?" Liz asks rubbing her back. Claire nods releasing a breath as the pain dissipates. "How often are these happening?"

"Umm, that one's my third one within the hour" Claire tells her. "My water hasn't broken yet though"

"That's ok, why don't we call Dr. Snow just in case, alright?" Liz suggests and Claire nods nervously.

"Everything alright, love?" Klaus asks appearing in front of her. Claire holds her hands out and he gently takes them. With his help, Claire slowly stands up.

"Do you have Dr. Snow's number?" Liz asks. "I think she's going through some contractions." 

"Contractions?" Klaus tenses. He looks from Liz to Claire. "Are we having a baby?" Claire goes to answer when she feels a slight pop within her body. Both her and Klaus look down only to notice Claire's water had broken.

"I think so..." Claire whispers nervously looking back up at Klaus.

"Hey, it's going to be alright" Klaus promises caressing her cheek. "You and our baby are going to be just fine"

"I can't lose her, Klaus" Claire whispers.

"You're not going too" Klaus says determinedly. He places a kiss on her forehead before picking her up. 

"Klaus, I can walk" Claire says as Klaus carries her to the room they had prepared for her for this reason. Klaus simply hums and continues to carry her. Claire smiles.

"Are you comfortable?" Klaus asks setting her down on the bed.

"I'm fine" Claire promises with a smile.

"Where's the baby?!" Kol shouts coming into the room.

"Sill in my stomach," Claire tells him. Kol pouts and looks at her stomach.

"Why isn't it out yet?" Kol asks frowning his eyebrows.

"I've been asking myself that same question this past month" Claire grumbles making Klaus chuckle.

"Dr. Snow is on her way" Elijah says entering the room not long after Kol. "And I brought you a snack" Elijah holds out a bowl.

"Ice chips" Claire says with fake enthusiasm. Elijah grins slightly at her.

"Caitlin suggested them, she suggests that it's best if that's all you have for the time being" Elijah tells her causing Claire to pout.

"Not only am I going to be pushing a baby out of my lady part but I get unlimited chips of ice" Claire says sarcastically.

"It won't be forever" Elijah promises.

"Well, thank Go-ow" Claire whines holding her stomach. The three of them all tense and move even closer to her. "This is going to get old quick" Claire sighs.

"Hey, Angel" Henrik says popping his head into the room. "Everything going alright?" Claire goes to answers but doesn't get the chance. "Can I talk to you three? Outside" Henrik says looking at his brothers before looking back at Claire. "Looking beautiful, Angel" He says before slipping out of the room.

"Well, that wasn't suspicious" Claire mutters. 

"We'll go see what's going on, just stay here and we'll be right back" Klaus says kissing the top of her head before leaving with his brothers. Claire sighs watching them leave. A few minutes , and an empty bowl, later, Caitlin comes in.

"I heard someone's water broke" She says smiling. Claire smiles and sheepishly raises her hand. "How are you feeling?"

"Normal... for a girl in labor" Claire tells her.

"How about mentally?" Caitlin asks her.

"I'm freaking out" Claire tells her. "I just keep thinking that I'm supposed to have three kids right now, not one" Tears easily fill Claire's eyes. "I don't have a good track record when it comes to kids," Claire sniffles. "What if she joins her brother instead of me, Klaus and Madelyn?"

"Claire, I'm going to do everything in my power to deliver you a healthy baby while keeping you safe. Only good things are going to happen today, do you trust me?" Caitlin asks.

"I trust you" Claire whispers grabbing the tissues Caitlin holds out for her. "Thank you for being here" Claire says sincerely as she dabs her eyes.

"Everything's going to be alright, Claire" Caitlin says reassuringly.

"What do you mean the witches are uprising? They should all be dead" Kol growls clenching his fists as he and his brothers stand in Elijah's office.

"Well, apparently when you and Enzo went on a killing spree the clever ones went into hiding" Henrik tells him.

"What else?" Elijah asks noting the look on Henrik's face.

"There's more?" Kol growls.

"Remember Vanessa?" Henrik brings up hesitantly. "You know the one who magically came back to life after we dropped a building on her a couple years back?"

"The one that sent our darling Claire to another bloody dimension?" Kol growled.

"Yeah, that one" Henrik nods. "Apparently she's backing the remainder of the French Quarter Coven with a few of her own little minions"

"Where is Madelyn?" Klaus asks slowly.

"At the plantation with her grandparents, Caroline and Enzo" Finn tells them.

"If Vanessa is here she's going to want to wipe out Claire's bloodline in order to get Noah's magic" Elijah tells them.

"She can try" Kol growls. "I'll rip that bitch apart and make sure she stays dead this time"

"Where are the witches?" Klaus asks Henrik. 

"Out front trying to get in" Henrik tells them with a sheepish shrug. "Davina, Asher and Kaleb are doing a very good job at keeping them out but it's not going to last"

"Elijah, Kol" Klaus says looking at the two of them. "You need to get to Madelyn. Call Caroline tell her what's happening"

"What about Claire?" Kol asks.

"Henrik, you're going to stay in Claire's room. Keep her calm and make sure she's safe" Henrik nods at Klaus's demand. "Finn, me and any body else that's here is going to deal with these damn witches" Elijah nods and moves to the door wanting to get to Madelyn as quickly as possible.

"Kol" Elijah says sternly when he sees his little brother not following him. Kol growls not liking the situation in the slightest but leaves with Elijah.

"She's going to see right through me" Henrik says nervously rubbing the back of his neck.

"Henrik, she's nervous enough," Klaus says slowly as he walks up to him. "Do not stress her out. Do not worry her. Just talk to her, be normal" Henrik presses his lips together and runs his fingers through his hair. "Go"

"Got it" Henrik speeds up to Claire's room. "Well brother" Klaus claps his hands together and turns to Finn. "Ready to maim some subordinate witches?"

"After you" Finn motions for him to go first. Klaus smirks and takes the lead. The two of them, along with a little more than a dozen vampires and hybrids, go up to Davina, Asher and Kaleb.

"We can't hold them out much longer" Davina warns them.

"How many are there?" Klaus questions.

"From what I can tell, about twenty of them... Vanessa was with the masses but I lost sight of her" Kaleb tells him with a slight shrug. Archie reaches over and grabs Kaleb's slightly shaky hand. Kaleb relaxes and leans into Archie.

"What do you want to do?" Davina asks.

"Kill them all" Klaus tells her simply with a sadistic grin.

"Knock, knock" Henrik says grinning as he comes into the room. He immediately notices Claire laying on the bed breathing through a contraction. He speeds beside her and takes her hand in his.

"Where's the others?" Claire asks him. "What's going on?" Henrik looks at her completely ready to lie but her gaze hardens and his anxiety rises.

"Umm..." Henrik mutters. "Something came up" Henrik tells her slowly. "But don't worry, they're dealing with it" Henrik says silently pleading for her to simply leave it at that. Claire gives him a look like she's about to press for more information but another contraction comes and distracts her.

"Ok, everything is looking great" Caitlin says smiling at Claire. "It shouldn't be too much longer"

"Good" Claire whispers resting her head on the pillow.  Caitlin steps out of the room for a moment. "These ice chips are actually pretty good" Claire mutters reaching for some more. Henrik smiles kissing her forehead. "I know you said the others were doing something else but I would really love it if Klaus was here..." She says looking up at Henrik. "I don't want to do this without him" 

"I'll see what I can do" Henrik mutters kissing her forehead. He sighs not wanting to leave with a threat at their front door. However, when the door opens and Jim walks in, Henrik sees his opportunity.

"Hey, I heard the good news, I wanted to check up on you" He says to Claire. She smiles and rubs her stomach.

"Hey, do you mind watching her for a moment?" Henrik asks giving him a look. Jim nods understandingly. Henrik looks back at Claire and smiles. Claire mouths 'I love you' which he grins even wider and sends her a wink before leaving.

"Ok, maybe you'll be able to tell me what's going on" Claire says shifting in her bed.

"Vanessa's back" Jim tells her. Claire's eyes widened. "She has about 22 witches helping her." Claire begins to breathe a little heavier. "And that's only the witches trying to get into here, not counting the ones going after Madelyn" Jim checks his watch. "They should be there by now... I don't think Elijah and Kol are gonna make it to her on time" Due to the pain Claire is physically in and the worry that begins to overtake her mind, she misses the cynical tone in his voice. 

"Oh my God" Claire whimpers trying not to go into a panic.

"It's going to be ok, Claire" Jim says walking up to her. "I can tell you confidently that those witches out front won't get past through the line of defense Klaus has up" He says resting his hand on her shoulder.

"Can you call Caroline? Please, I need to know Madelyn's safe" Claire begs him before another contraction hits her. Jim takes her hand and comforts her through the pain.

"I would... but I'm not exactly on Team Claire anymore" Jim whispers in her ear. Claire tenses as Jim withdraws from her. He steps back as Caitlin comes in. Claire cries out as another wave of pain hits her.

"It's time Claire, are you ready?" Caitlin asks her while putting on some gloves.

"I want Klaus, I need him" Claire begged staring at Jim. Claire knew there was little she could to do protect Caitlin and her baby. She didn't have her magic and she didn't have any weapons. Plus, she's seconds away from giving birth. 

"Klaus is busy, Claire" Jim reminds her while sending her a stern look. "I don't think it would be wise to distract him" Claire cries out again and clutches her stomach. She could feel herself begin to panic. She couldn't loose this baby, no matter what she knew she wouldn't allow Jim to take her.

"We don't have anymore time, Claire" Caitlin says sitting in front of her. Claire whimpers sending Caitlin a pleading look. "Are you staying?" She asks looking at Jim.

"Yes, I'll be back here, watching from a distance" Jim tells her with a kind smile.

"No, you need to leave" Claire growls glaring at him. She didn't understand why he would want to harm her, she didn't understand what he wanted with her child but the why wasn't important at the moment.

"Don't be like that, you're my favorite niece" Jim smiles sarcastically.

"Claire, focus on me" Caitlin says professionally. "This baby isn't waiting any longer, you have to push when I tell you too"

"Do as the good doctor says-"

"Shut up!" Claire snaps glaring at him. "You need to leave now!" She looks at Caitlin. "Find Klaus, anybody" Claire begs before screaming.

"Sir, I think it's best if you leave" Caitlin says looking at Jim. "Stress isn't good for her"

"I think I'm going to stay right here," Jim tells her dropping the friendly act. "Deliver the baby or I will kill you and deliver it myself" Caitlin's eyes widened at her. Claire tries to hold in another scream as her body is hit with a more severe amount of pain. "Deliver. The. Baby." Jim pulls out a large knife. "Or I will kill you"

"Caitlin" Claire whispers. Caitlin slowly turns to her looking scared out of her mind. "It's going to be ok, just do what he says" Caitlin slowly nods and shakily refocuses on Claire.

"Push" Caitlin orders. Claire screws her eyes shut and screams as she pushes. "Come on, Claire, push! You're doing great" Caitlin encourages.

"You need to leave" Enzo turns to Caroline as the defenses around the plantation slowly begin to fall. They were severely out numbered. "Take Madelyn and get as far away from here as possible"

"I'm not leaving without you" Caroline growls stubbornly.

"We're losing this fight, if they get to Madelyn they win. You need to go, love" Enzo grabs Caroline's face in his hands. "I love you and I need you safe. I will find you after this, please trust me"

"I can't hold them off much longer, if you're leaving blondie, you better leave now!" Claire's grandmother, Bethany, shouts from the front.

"I don't want to leave" Caroline whispers placing her hands over his. "We're a team, I'm not leaving you"

"We have to think about Madelyn, love. When they get into this house, it will only be a matter of moments before they get to her. Please, go" Enzo kisses her lips lightly. "Get Madelyn, leave" 

"Don't worry, love, we'll keep him safe" Kol says entering the room with Elijah behind him. Caroline relaxes when they arrive.

"We have this handled, Caroline. Get Madelyn out of here. Get her as far away from the city as possible" Elijah orders her while slipping off his suit jacket and rolling up his sleeves.

"Claire?" Caroline asks worriedly knowing that if they were being attacked here they were being attacked there.

"She's fine, get Madelyn out" Kol tells her sternly knowing they were running out of time. Caroline nods hesitantly kissing Enzo again before grabbing her niece and leaving. "Let's finish what we started, yes?" Kol asks Enzo.

"With pleasure, mate" Enzo smirks clapping him on the back. Kol smirks at him before turning towards the front door.

"What are you doing here?" Klaus growls at his brother as his hands rip the head off of another witch.

"Claire's giving birth, she wants you there" Henrik tells him over the noise of their fight.

"If you're here then who's watching Claire?" Finn growls snapping someones neck.

"Jim, but it should be you" Henrik says to Klaus before killing a near by man. "Go" Klaus growls but speeds off to find Claire needing to protect her and see the birth of his child. "I thought killing witches would be harder" Henrik says from beside Finn as the hybrids destroy the last remaining mediocre witches.

"I don't think they were highly trained" Finn tells him frowning his eyebrows. "Why would you attack the compound with less than powerful witches?"

"Smoke and mirrors" Henrik mutters his head snapping to his brother. "It's a distraction" Henrik turns and quickly follows after Klaus with Finn hot on his heels.

"The door's not opening" Klaus growls throwing his whole body into it.

"Jim's in there" Henrik tells them. "I thought he would protect her while I went to get you"

"Well, obviously he isn't protecting her!" Klaus snapped trying everything to get into the room.

"Well, look at that, a beautiful baby girl" Jim smiles as Caitlin cradles the baby. She cuts the cord and stands. "I'll take her" Jim holds out his hands but Caitlin wasn't about to hand the child over that willingly.

"I don't think so" Caitlin snaps moving away from him. "You're not getting this baby"

"Oh, yes I am" Jim growls walking up to her. Caitlin shakes her head and races for the door, Jim follows after her. He grabs Caitlin's hair and slams her head into the door. Caitlin shouts in pain but keeps a secure grip on the screaming baby. Caitlin thrusts her leg back and sends Jim's knee in the wrong direction.

"You bitch!" Jim shouts stumbling away from her. Caitlin goes to the corner trying to think of a quick plan that would get everyone out alive. "Give me her!" Jim snapped.

"Go to hell!" Caitlin snapped. Jim glares and limps towards her but quickly stops. Caitlin gasps and lets out a small scream as a knife stabs through Jim's neck. Blood splatters and pours. He quickly loses energy and falls to his knees revealing Claire . 

She stumbles barely able to stand. She watches Jim choke on his blood and his skin begin to pale. His eyes meet hers and slowly becomes limp. Once he dies his magic disappears allowing Klaus, Finn and Henrik into the room.

"Claire" Klaus quickly grabs her before she can fall. "It's alright, sweetheart, I've got you"

*I know we haven't had that much of a chance to learn about Vanessa in this book. But guess what? I'm planning on writing a book about Claire's life in college which will introduce Vanessa and give you plenty reasons to hate her. You've learned a little bit about her 1. She dated Archie to get to Claire. She broke his heart. 2. She tried to kill basically everyone especially Madelyn and Claire. 3. She sent Claire into Alondra's universe which was that mini crossover earlier in the book.

How was it?*