"Can you believe how great this place is?" Wally asked enthusiastically. Before John could answer, the young hero had already grabbed another piece of flatbread covered in different stews and vegetables and began quickly devouring it. Both friends had changed into civilian clothes, but John had still made it a point to sit in a secluded corner of the restaurant, away from prying eyes. Even with his sunglasses and baseball cap, his identity was well known, and he was worried about being recognized and compromising Flash's as well. Wally, however, was lounging in a t-shirt and shorts, with his hair tousled from the soft Miami wind.

Facing away from the other customers, John nodded, "It's pretty good."

"Pretty good," Wally looked offended, "All you can eat? It's amazing! Hey, mind if I try some of whatever that is?"

John pushed his plate towards the kid, "Go for it."

"Thanks man." Wally said with an appreciative wink. He immediately began munching on the delicacies on John's plate while still finishing off his own food.

John leaned back and sighed. His gaze slowly moved to the open deck to which the restaurant opened up. The ocean's soft waves and the laughs of city dwellers enjoying the bright day danced through the air. Most people were lounging about the beach, relishing the feeling of the warm sun. Others were attempting to surf or play volleyball in the soft, yellow sand. As he observed the scene, a young man with unnaturally light hair and dark sunglasses strolled through the doors towards the bar. A gym bag swug hastily from his bare shoulder, and as he meandered into the restaurant, he grinned broadly.

He raised his glasses on top of his head as he approached the front counter. While making happy conversation with the waitress, he pulled out a worn wallet and fished out a few green bills. She laughed loudly as she picked up a tan paper bag from the counter beside her. John watched the interaction in horror, recognizing the boy's face almost instantly. Even with the athletic shorts, badly dyed hair, and tanned skin, it was the creature he had been trying to track down for weeks. The demi-god.

The boy smiled sweetly at the girl as she passed him his food.

"Wally," John said as he tossed some cash on the table, "I just saw an old friend. I have to go."

Wally's eyes brightened, "Who?"

"Just an old friend from the marines. You wouldn't know him." John said shortly. He looked toward the front of the shop to see that the boy had slipped out the front door. The hero growled under his breathe as he muttered, "He just stepped outside. I'll catch up with you later."

With that, he strode away from his red haired companion. Wally watched him with a surprised expression for a moment as he hurried out the door, but didn't move to follow him. To be honest, he was relieved that John was making the attempt to socialize with anyone at all, and he wasn't going to question it. Instead, he went back to eating the remainder of the Lantern's dinner.

John, meanwhile, searched the street for any sign of the powerful figure. The sidewalk was filled with people of all ages, merrily making their way to and from the beach, but John was still able to make out the tall figure in the distance. He walked arm and arm with a short, dark haired woman perhaps a block away. Without drawing too much attention to himself, John began to walk quickly down the busy street towards the pair. He strode quickly, but didn't rush or close the distance between him and his targets too much. Though he was still wearing his civilian clothes, but he knew it would only take one curious person to reveal his identity.

He followed them several blocks, the crowd around them slowly dissipating as they made their way deeper into the city. The light colors of the wooden shacks faded into red and grey concrete buildings. Still, he hung back, now curious as to their intended location. After nearly a mile, he watched as the demigod turned down a secluded alley. John waited a moment, glancing around as to make sure no one would notice him. The few citizens on the street seemed preoccupied, so the Lantern hurried down the block and slipped into the narrow walkway.

Instantly, he caught sight of the blonde man happily chatting as he slipped a shirt on over his head. John's face contorted in determination as he crossed the short distance that separated them in a few quick strides. In a split second, the boy was pinned to the rough bricks behind him, a forearm at his throat.

"What the hell are you doing here?" John yelled at the demi-god's still grinning face.

"Hey, chill!" The boy's hands came up to show his acquiescence.

"I've been looking for you for months!" The hero yelled.

"I've been busy." The boy had the audacity to shrug while being held against the wall by his throat.

"Busy! You're coming with me right now, and-" John's voice was suddenly cut off as he felt something strike his throat, pushing him away from the boy. Just as he took a step back, someone's leg kicked out his own from beneath him, and he fell onto the rocky ground. He closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the sharpness of his injuries though nothing felt serious. Looking up in a daze, John saw the young man lean over, hands on his knees, coughing slightly. Beside him, a brunette haired woman rubbed soothing circles onto his back.

The demigod smiled at her in appreciation and muttered, "I'm okay."

"What the hell?" John pressed a hand to the sensitive bruise forming on his neck. For such a short woman, she packed a powerful punch. He hadn't felt raw strength like that thrown around so casually in months! It seemed nearly impossible that this petite woman in workout gear could summon such force.

The woman turned around, anger causing the grey blue of her eyes darken, "I don't know what Iggy's done to you, but let me make one thing perfectly clear. If you ever threaten him again, physically or verbally, I will make you regret the moment you thought Miami sounded like a wonderful place to come relax!" The woman knelt down slightly as she continued, "And let there be no misunderstandings, I've dealt with people bigger, stronger, and meaner than you, and not one of them has failed to regret crossing me."

John, stared at the woman in awe. Her scarlet red hair may have turned so dark it was nearly black, and her usually forest green eyes had become a grey speckled blue, but there was no mistaking it. Those eyes still held the same fire and anger, her chin came to the same sharp point, and her brow furrowed in the same show of determination. Behind her back, the blonde haired man smirked in triumph, but John barely noticed. Before him stood none other than Shayera Hol.