Many things go bump in the night
A violent animal turf war erupts in a bad neighbourhood
Ralph, the patriarch German Shepard of the neighbourhood pets is laid to rest. His long life was a good one and was beloved by his master, the people, and his fellow pets who deeply mourned his loss. His death on the other hand was sad and brutal. While defending the territory of Hastings, the downtown city neighbourhood they call home. Ralph was defeated and killed in battle at the paws of Cerberus, the fearsome Pitbull owned by Mr. Hades, the cruel landlord of Hastings Hall Apartment Complex.
In a dark alley of Hastings a feral black cat named Hector overhears a conversation between a rat, a dog, and another feral cat. The three of them are making disparaging remarks and jokes about Ralph. Hector tells them to show some respect. The rat, dog, and cat attack Hector but Hector kills all three.
Aurora the cat has given birth to seven kittens but the birthing is kept secret as Mr. Hades dislikes cats. Fellow cats and dogs living in the complex keep watch to protect her while her master tries to find prospective masters for the kittens. Arthur, the father of the kittens, is on night patrol when he is chased by Cerberus. He manages to escape down a sewage grate but encounters the Rat King, Crawley. Crawley and his rats kill Arthur.
The wise Merlin the Cat and Kepler the Labrador call a pet counsel and extend invitations to the squirrel, bird, raccoon, and mice factions of the downtown core. The deaths of Ralph, Arthur, and the threat against Aurora’s new-born kittens have caused great sorrow in what was once a happy neighbourhood. The paws of anger and frustrations are clearly pointed at Cerberus, King Crawley, flies that work as his spies, and the increasing menace of the ever growing cockroach empire who Crawley has formed an alliance with. Many pets feel Hastings is lost and their masters have already begun preparing moving plans to other neighbourhoods. Merlin and Kepler want to stand firm and defend their home as Aurora's master can’t afford to move. The squirrels and birds are indifferent stating they will survive and thrive regardless while the raccoons are ready to fight as they have a long standing feud with King Crawley. The mice are supportive but too afraid to challenge their rat overlords.
Hector does not speak at the meeting but Merlin and Kepler notice this and call him to task afterwards for not speaking up more as he is battle hardened and has dealt with the menaces before during the previous “Battle of Hastings”. Hector notes an all out war will lead to a “cleansing” of Hastings at the hands of the “Net Men” and they will all be placed in cages or poisoned. Merlin and Kepler urge Hector to be part of the process to improve things to which Hector agrees too, noting that Arthur and Ralph were good friends.
Aurora is with her seven kittens outside on a grass filled balcony created by her master. This is the kitten’s first time outdoors. While playing, one of the kittens falls only to be rescued by Hector. Aurora thanks him and says she wishes that Hector was around more often and not to harbor guilt over the death of her sister Meadow whom Hector was in love with and died during the “Battle of Hastings”. Hector promises to help keep an eye on Aurora and the kittens. Later that evening a cat, dog, and a couple racoons are in an alley and are excitedly plotting their plans for war. Their talk gets the attention of some rats, feral cats, stray dogs and Cerberus. A fierce and violent fight breaks out. Only Cerberus is left standing. One of the fallen rats is Crawley II, the eldest son of King Crawley who vows revenge and specifically wants Aurora and her kittens dead to send a message about who really controls Hastings. Cerberus notes that his master Mr. Hades is the true boss of Hastings but Crawley dismisses him and notes that if he was truly in charge he would have poisoned the rats and roach empire long ago. Mr. Hades visits tenants who are late on rent and Cerberus goes with him. While visiting Aurora’s master Cerberus smells and detects Aurora and her kittens.
While eating in an alley Hector is met by some raccoons who state they are on the hunt for rats and any other friends of theirs. They are quickly jumped by rats and outnumbered by a swarming cockroach attack. Hector kills several rats and the racoons surprisingly know how to use a poison aerosol can to kill the roaches. The attack was a trap to lure defenses away from Aurora.
Cerberus attacks Aurora’s master while she is returning home and gains entry to the apartment. Merlin and Kepler hear the attack and rush to protect Aurora. Aurora is safe in her master’s room with the kittens but only counts six. The one that fell off the balcony earlier is again playing in the same area. Cerberus attacks and kills the kitten before Aurora can stop him. Merlin and Kepler rush to attack Cerberus but are overpowered by Cerberus. A mourning and furious Aurora attacks Cerberus and cuts one of his eyes badly but Cerberus is too strong and badly wounds Aurora.
Hector and the racoons meet-up with a wounded Merlin and Kepler. Hector is furious and demands the heads of Cerberus and King Crawley. Kepler insists they play it smart and obtain allies in the Ant Army and the usage of a black widow spider assassin. Hector agrees aslong as Cerberus is his. The raccoons secure the services of the Ant Army to Merlin's displeasure as he believes the Ant Queen will simply take the territory that the cockroaches already have. Hector gains the assistance of the black widow assassin. She previously helped him in locating the feline murderer of Meadow. Aurora’s master packs her things and takes the kittens with her elsewhere for safety. Mr. Hades beats Cerberus for attacking Aurora’s master, fearing the authorities. Mr. Hades gets so worked up that he drops dead of a heart attack and Cerberus furiously attacks his master in anger.
King Crawley warns there will be a counter attack and requests the roach empire to fill the alleys. While the roaches are on the move they are ambushed in a surprise attack by the Ant Army in a double pincer formation. The fighting is fierce but the ants emerge victorious and then quickly move to the plumbing and sewage HQ of the cockroach empire to finish off the rest. The news infuriates and worries Crawlely who barricades himself in only to have his guards plucked off one by one and die suffocatingly. Crawley hints at an assassin and escapes out into the open alleys. Hector notices and slowly stalks Crawley before pouncing and killing the rat king by decapitation. The remaining rats fall in battle at the hands of the raccoons, cats, and mice who worked up the courage to challenge the rats.
Cerberus is unhinged and attacking anything in sight. Merlin and Kepler lure him to the building rooftop to get him away from the larger battle in hopes of pushing him off the roof. Merlin and Kepler are both severely wounded but alive. Cerberus is about to finish them off but Hector is on the roof as well and after a vicious fight cuts Cerberus’ throat killing the dangerous beast. While the masters only hear a loud night of animal activity the animals know the true cost.
In the passing weeks Hastings Apartment Complex is sold off to developers looking to gentrify the neighbourhood. Merlin and Kepler are on the mend and their masters move with them to quieter neighbourhoods. Aurora is recovering with her master who finds homes for all the kittens with good loving masters. The raccoons and mice opt to move to the southern waterfront park forests. Whatever is left of the rats and roaches roam aimlessly in the alleys for food. Hector returns to the alleys quietly. He encounters a rat, a dog, and feral cat looking to make a name for themselves by killing him. Hector fights them off with ease. A nearby pub owner taking out his garbage notices this and remarks to his waitress that he is impressed with his toughness. He gives Hector food and water and tells him he is welcome to come by any time, free of charge.
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