Springtrap, now going by William, drove steadily through the bustling streets of Metropolis. The city's towering skyscrapers and neon lights contrasted sharply with the grimy underworld he had just escaped. His Illusion Disc, securely lodged in his right arm, maintained his human facade, rendering him indistinguishable from any other weary traveler.
However, his instincts screamed that he was being followed. Three unmarked black SUVs had tailed him for the last few miles, maintaining a suspicious distance. William's eyes narrowed. He needed to act.
Slamming on the brakes, his stolen truck screeched to a halt. The first SUV couldn't react in time and collided with his rear bumper. In one swift motion, William deactivated the Illusion Disc, revealing his decayed animatronic form. He drew his upgraded plasma pistol and fired at the front-left SUV, disabling its tires. Without hesitation, he sped off, weaving through traffic and ignoring red lights.
The remaining SUVs pursued him, bullets whizzing past his vehicle. One pulled up alongside him, its passenger aiming a rifle. William didn't flinch. He fired his plasma pistol, the shot piercing the driver's side, causing the SUV to swerve and crash into a lamppost.
The final SUV remained relentless. William accelerated, then abruptly pulled the emergency brake, causing his truck to spin. He leaped out, clutching his fire axe and plasma pistol, as the SUV crashed into his abandoned vehicle. Landing on his feet, he sprinted towards a nearby alley, his animatronic limbs propelling him with unnatural speed.
A sudden sharp pain shot through his leg—a bullet had grazed him. He stumbled but continued running. From a rooftop, Deadshot observed, adjusting his scope.
"Subject is evasive," Deadshot muttered. "Engaging."
Meanwhile, Captain Boomerang set up explosives at the alley's entrance. He tossed a grenade, but William, hearing the faint beeping, doubled back just in time. A loud explosion rocked the area, debris scattering.
As William retreated, a hulking figure emerged from the shadows—King Shark. With a guttural roar, he lunged. William met him head-on, swinging his fire axe. The blade clashed with King Shark's massive fists. Harley Quinn appeared, wielding her mallet, aiming for William's head. He ducked, the mallet smashing into a nearby wall. With a swift motion, he destroyed the mallet and shot King Shark in the leg, causing the beast to retreat.
Deadshot fired again, his bullet striking William's shoulder. But William pressed on, diving into a nearby manhole and disappearing into the sewers.
Above ground, the Task Force X members regrouped.
"He's gone underground," Harley panted.
"Deploy drones," Waller's voice crackled over their earpieces. "Find him."
Drones buzzed through the air, scanning the sewers with infrared cameras. But they found nothing.
At that moment, Superman arrived, hovering above the scene.
"Stand down," he ordered. "I'll handle this."
Using his heat vision, he scanned the underground tunnels but found no trace of William.
Deep within the sewers, William smirked. His Illusion Disc rendered him invisible to their scans, and to most scanners, anything but X-Ray cant see him due to light interference. He moved silently, planning his next move.
Back above, Waller cursed. "We need him. His knowledge is invaluable."
The hunt for Springtrap had just begun.