Pilar Pacheco woke up with excitement. Tonight was the night of the ultimate battle of the bands competition, Pop Factor, as her new group Starlight Riot had been rehearsing for days the songs they were going to perform for the final showdown against Desiree Raymond's newly formed group Desire. Publicity had been swirling around the spoiled rich girl's band as she recruited professional musicians to be her back-up. She had gotten bassist Audrey O'Toole of The Limp Lizards, hired lead guitarist Gordan Light of The Space Cadets, keyboard player Juno Heinz of The Leatherettes, and drummer Billy Grimes of Tool Time. With all these experienced musicians behind her, Desiree was an unstoppable force.

Meanwhile, Starlight Riot held their own as a small gathering of supporters from CHAPA and online fans began sending her positive messages through her e-mail. She knew that her group had a chance to win.

Sending a fresh bouquet of flowers to Cynthia and Flo in the hospital, she made one more last minute visit to both her friends who wanted to be updated on the band's upcoming performance.

"So is it true that you guys have to do a medley?" The African American teen girl asked.

Pilar smiled. "It's true. Jagger chose three songs that would best fit this new group."

"You'll do great!" Flo cheered from her bed. "Muy bien! How are you and The Rioters getting along?"

"Surprisingly well." The dark haired teen nodded. "They're actually nice people. It was Desiree's evil that was influencing them. Pia does have her opinions but she tries to work with us. Peter and Dee are always busy making out and I think Sherry and Sam are starting a thing!"

Cynthia's mouth widened. "Sherry and Sam? I'm so behind the gossip! I didn't think those two would ever get together!"

"They have a lot of baggage to get through but I'm rooting for them." Pilar smiled. "As for me and Jagger, we're as happy as we can be! I only wish you two were with us to perform in the group!"

"Claro que!" Flo laughed. She tried to move her broken arm in a cast. "As you can see, there's no chance that me or Cynthia can play an instrument but mira we'll watch the show from the television!"

"I'm going to make sure all the medical staff votes for you guy!" Cynthia giggled.

Pilar gently hugged them both and left their room. Their support meant so much to her and she was determined not to let them down. She was going to perform to the fullest extent.

Taking a cab back to her father's Malibu home, she dropped the house keys near the end table by the front door as she scanned for her parents inside. Apparently, no one was around.

"Mom? Daddy? I'm home!" She called out.

No answer.

She heard giggling down the hall and went to investigate. Crossing toward her father's bedroom, she saw her mother retreat from his room with her blonde hair a mess and wearing nothing but Rio's dress shirt.

Pilar gasped. "Mom?"

"Pilar?" Jerrica blushed in surprise. "I didn't expect you home so soon!" She tried to cover herself.

Rio Pacheco exited the chamber, shirtless but still wearing a pair of jeans. He looked away from his daughter in embarrassment. "Um…uh…Pilar. We can explain!"

A huge smile formed on the sixteen year old's face. "Does that mean you two are back together?"

Jerrica covered her mouth and giggled. "I guess…yeah Pilar. Your father and I…"

"Are taking things slow." Rio emphasized. "We don't want to get your hopes up. We're adults and sometimes grown-ups do grown up things…"

Covering her ears, Pilar cringed. "Uggh! You don't have to discuss the birds and bees talk Daddy! I get it that you and Mom have sex! I think it's great but let's not go into details!" She ran to embrace them both. "I think it's wonderful you guys are getting back together!"

Jerrica smiled. "Now your father and I love each other very much but we're still trying to work through this thing between us. Don't expect too much of it."

"I won't." Pilar laughed. "I'm just happy that you two are taking another chance at love."

"It's going to be difficult." Rio grinned. "But we'll see what happens." He patted his daughter's head and his hugged her mother. "Now don't worry about us, concentrate on tonight's performance. You have a show to put on!"

The sixteen year old beamed. "I will Daddy!" She ran to her room as happy as a clam.

Pop Factor Studio

The arena was buzzing with anticipation as both Starlight Riot and Desire came early for a sound check and to get ready for the evening's televised performance. Separate dressing rooms were given to both competitors as the two groups were spread apart so that no further scandal or unnecessary drama occurred.

Three hours before the big competition, Pilar paced nervously around the group's dressing quarters as Dee and Peter went over the last minute details with the show's producer while Jagger fine-tuned their instruments alongside Pia and Sherry. Sam acted as escort for their lead singer's family and friends as Jerrica, Rio, Stormer, Rapture, Roxy, Aja, and Craig headed into their area.

"How's my little girl doing?" Rio tossed up his arms to hug his daughter.

"Nervous!" Pilar admitted. "I'm a ball of anxiety."

"Honey, you'll do fine!" Jerrica reassured her as she embraced her. "Just be yourself."

The television producer tapped Pilar on the shoulder. "Okay, Desire is going to go on first and then Starlight Riot. Remember, this is a fair contest. Everyone is on equal footing for the finals. That means no holograms!"

"Of course," Pilar agreed. "Only regular music."

Dee pouted. "That hardly seems fair!" He clucked his tongue at the show's producer. "Desiree Raymond is using professional musicians to back her up! Plus, her parents have hired a styling team to make her look good! How does that make us on equal footing?"

"It's only about the music and the talent!" The producer explained. "Desire can put on the flashy image but it's the performance that counts and she too is not allowed to use any special light shows or big screens. The option to use a styling team is entirely up to you but again, no holograms of anytime on stage or your group will be disqualified!"

The sixteen year old girl nodded. "We won't use any holograms. Thanks for the information."

Running to talk with the stage crew, the producer disappeared backstage as Pilar's friends griped about Desiree's entourage assisting her before the show.

"It's just not fair!" Sherry scowled. "We'll ordinary compared to Desiree!"

"Believe in yourself," Pilar reassured her. "We'll rely on our talent to win instead of a made-up image."

"Why can't an image be made-up? You can still do it without the use of a hologram!"

The voice came up behind her as the brunette girl turned around to see her Aunt Kimber standing to family friend Raya Alonso. The former Hologram members hugged the lead singer as a sign of support.

"Aunt Kimber! Raya!" Pilar squealed. "You came!"

"Your mother called me concerning the finals for Pop Factor." The red headed musician explained. "Since we can't use Synergy, we can still make you guys look stylish and trendy!"

Pia Cross lifted her eyebrows. "What do you mean? We don't have personal stylist backing us up!"

Raya laughed. "Ahora, you do!" She pointed to the corner to see an older African American woman and young blonde female pushing a rack of clothes toward the band. "These are our amigas! Shana Elmsford and Ashley Larsen but I think you know their clothing line as…"

"SHANA ASHLEY!" The group screamed and ran to the rack of clothes.

"If I knew our fashions were this popular," Shana giggled. "We would have sent our entire boutique down here!"

Her partner Ashley snickered as she pulled out pieces for the members of Starlight Riot to try on.

"I think, Shana, our presence here is greatly appreciated!" The former Starlight foster girl smiled. Pilar went up to hug the two women.

"Thank you so much for doing this." She smiled at the pair. "We're so grateful!"

"Oh hush child!" Shana grinned. "You just get those pipes ready while we make your band look good!"

Ashley and her design partner scoured the racks as they brought out dozens of clothes from their line to outfit Starlight Riot. Bring with them, their hair and make-up team, Pilar and her friends spent the next hour and half being done up for the show. Once they finished, everyone gasped at how wondrous their transformation was without the use of Synergy's holograms.

Jerrica clasped her face. "My God Pilar! You look amazing!"

"She sure does." Rio complimented with pride.

Pilar brunette hair was curled as the perfect combination of color accentuated her face. Shana and Ashley put in an orange short sleeve toga dress with a matching green belt and leggings. Matching high heeled brown slouch boots were accessorized with wooden jewelry that really gave the sixteen year old a magical fairy effect. She looked mystical.

"Thanks so much Shana and Ashley!" The sixteen year old giggled. "I feel beautiful!"

The former Hologram sighed. "It's a variation of the strapless dress your mother as Jem use to wear. I thought it needed an update.

Pilar twirled in her outfit. "Well I certainly can dance in it. I'm going to rock in his outfit!"

Ashley guffawed. "Wait until you see what we did to Dee and Jagger."

Stormer and Rapture grew especially interested as the two brothers appeared. Jagger wore tight leather pants with matching boots as he sported a white V-neck tee. The two women completed the look with a dark yellow short French military jacket that fit him perfectly. Dee looked just as handsome in a pair of charcoal skinny jeans, boots, white shirt, and yellow vest with black stripes. Both looks displayed the essence of both Riot and the Stingers as Mary and Phoebe clapped their hands in appreciation of Shana's and Ashley's efforts.

"Good God!" Rapture squealed with delight. "The boys are the spitting image of Riot!"

"And just as handsome!" Stormer inhaled proudly. "Riot would be proud!"

"Well I know I am!"

The two teens turned around to see General Llewelyn hobbling into the dressing area on his cane.

"Grandpa!" Jagger and Dee said in unison. The siblings ran to hug the old man.

"You didn't think I was going to miss my own grandsons' performance!" The former military man smiled. "I'm want to witness my own flesh and blood winning this competition!"

Stormer put a hand on her father in-law's shoulder. "Good to have you here General."

"Wouldn't miss it for the world Mary." General Llewelyn nodded. His eyes then shifted to Rapture. "So Phoebe, you still single and doing crystal ball readings? You know there's this hippy convention in town next week, how about this old man showing you a thing or two about the future!"

Rolling her eyes, Rapture slapped her head. "I might be single and psychic but I can foretell no chance in hell of us dating!" She ran behind Stormer. "Uggh! Stormer, tell the old guy to stop hitting on me!"

Still determined, General Llewleyn persisted. "Oh come now! I might be eighty but I know I could show what a real man can do!"

Rapture shook her head. "I'd rather take my chances with Eric Raymond and my visions tell me he's about to get his comeuppance."

Roxy overhead the comment and gestured to Aja and Craig. "Speaking of Eric Raymond, have anyone seen the little weasel?"

"He's with Pizzazz and his daughter." Aja told her. "He's even got the majority of his Christian Ministries followers in the audience ready to vote for Desiree."

"How we doing on our plan?" The therapist asked.

Craig smirked. "Don't worry, Rox. Everything is as it should be. All we have to do is wait and be patient."

Jerrica, who was eavesdropping on their conversation, eyed the trio suspiciously. "What are you three plotting? Care to fill me in?"

"Trust us, Jerrica," Craig reassured her. "We have a Plan B if Eric tries to cheat this contest. Like the producers said, everyone is going to be on equal footing."

The blonde woman paused. "I hope it doesn't involve anything illegal."

Roxy hesitated. "Define illegal?"

Jerrica was about to protest when a handsome blond man came rushing into the dressing area followed by three little tykes. Upon seeing Roxy, they screamed with happiness and rushed over to the former Misfit.

"Mommy!" The children laughed as they hugged the woman.

Roxy attempted to pick up all the children but instead decided to embrace them close.

"Hans, Gerda, and Anya!" The therapist rejoiced. "You made it!"

"Ya!" The gorgeous blond male smiled. "It was a long flight, darling, but we I managed to handle all the kids on the plane. Forgive me, sweetheart, I will never judge your job as a mother. Taking care of these little ones is hard work!"

"And don't you forget it Svensson!" The former Misfit giggled. "Now come and greet your wife with a kiss!"

The therapist and the Swedish Olympic skier embraced and kissed for long period as the feeling of love could be felt between the two. Svensson Jorgenssen held on to his beautiful spouse and expressed his emotions of adoration for the Italian psychologist.

"Oh and you'll be happy to know we got that penthouse!" The real estate mogul surprised her.

Roxy leaped up in excitement. "That's wonderful! I can't wait to decorate it when we get back to New York. Right now, let's enjoy our time here in L. A. with our friends!"

Clutching her kids' hands, the former Misfits escorted her husband and family around the dressing area as she introduced them to everyone backstage. The Jorgenssen brood became really interested by behind scenes of the television show as they got to meet Starlight Riot and observe Shana and Ashley putting the final touches of making Pia, Sherry, and Sam looking stylish.

Pilar glanced around the room as the show was about to begin as she held everyone's attention.

"Thank you all for coming!" She said. "As a member of Starlight Riot, we've been throughout a lot of trials and tribulations to get up to this point, I want to say, from the bottom of my heart, how appreciative we are that we have supportive family and friends who love us! We're going to give a two hundred percent to our performance in honor of everyone!"

The room broke into applause as the sixteen year old and her band members marched to her side. With the amount of support behind her, they knew they were unstoppable.

Lights came up as the orchestra swelled. Celebrity host Cindy Tucker appeared on stage as she introduced the show.

"Hello and welcome to Pop Factor's Final Competition! Tonight we have an exciting show lined up for you as our two bands Desire and Starlight Riot will compete for the ultimate title as winner of the musical battle of the bands! Tonight's phone-votes will decide the winner so don't forget to call in and vote for your favorite group! So without further delay, let's get started.

She's the daughter of Christian Ministries leaders Eric and Phyllis Raymond and now she is fronting her own band! Hailing from Los Angeles, let's give it up for Desiree Raymond her group Desire!"

Applause roared from the crowd mostly from the followers of Christian Ministries. Desiree Raymond appeared on stage wearing a sexy navy corseted dress, jeweled accessories and high heels. Her face have been painted in tribal make-up and her blonde hair streaked with light green tones. She appeared every bit as Pizzazz's daughter. She took hold of the microphone and sneered.

"Are you ready to rock?" She shouted. "I'm Desiree Raymond and this is my band Desire!"

The music began to play as the professional musicians she hired as her backdrop started the beat. She began to perform her medley of songs.

"I'm aiming for success

Gonna do what it takes

If someone gets hurt

Well, them's the breaks

If you want to reach the top

Don't let anyone stop you…

Winnin' is everything, Winnin' is everything

I ain't cut out for second string

Winnin' is everything!"

The crowd roared for her first song. Then she rotated her body to begin another.

"Other girls play hopeless and coy

Moonin' over this or that boy (yeah)

Other girls feel hopeless and trapped

But for me, I've learned to adapt

I'm a designing woman

I've got what it takes

I'm a designing woman

I make my own breaks

I'm a designing woman (designing woman)

And I've got designs on you!"

The music changed again to different, smoother tempo.

"I keep growin' bigger each day

Soon I'm gonna outshine the Milky Way

In my own Mind's eye, I am the sky

So why should I be shy

When I've got

Universal Appeal (Universal Appeal)

Universal Appeal (Universal Appeal)

Universal! Universal!

Universal Appeal!"

Finishing her set, she raised her hand in the air to sounds of cheers as Cindy Tucker came on stage to interview the singer. Desiree bathed in the adulations.

"So Desiree, how does it feel fronting a new band?" Cindy asked her.

"Like I was put on this Earth to be worshipped!" Desiree snickered as he winked at her proud parents. "Vote for the real talent not some cheating lowlifes who have no musical taste so they have to lie to the public with holograms! Vote for Desire!"

Claps and whoops, mostly from the Christian Ministries group came her way. She blew them a kiss as the band slowly walked off stage. Cindy returned her focus back to the cameras.

"Remember folks, vote for your favorite group. Only then can you decide the winner of Pop Factor!"

Everyone grabbed their cells and did their first round with Desiree's band. It was going to be interesting what the results were going to be.