Trolls X Gorillaz: Luminary AU
Happy Easter!!! Here’s one of my Trolls × Gorillaz AUs I’ve been working on.
The AU is inspired by Angel’s Friends, Hazbin Hotel, Helluva Boss, and Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt. It is titled Luminary, a story centered on the contrast between the radiant light of angels and the consuming fire of demons. The narrative unfolds across three distinct worlds:
• Heaven: the celestial, utopian dimension of angels and the realm of God, where divine order, beauty, and serenity reign.
• Earth: the human world, an existential space of choices, morality, and free will.
• Hell: the infernal, dystopian dimension of demons, a chaotic realm of temptation, rebellion, and cunning.
In this AU, faithful, courteous, and chaste angels and rebellious, vulgar and lewd demons vie for influence over humanity. Yet, angels are bound by the V.E.T.O, a strict code established by God Himself. This law forbids angels and demons from touching, exposing, or directly interfering with one another while guiding humans. It restrains demonic interference, preserves the cosmic balance, and maintains the structure of creation.
The primary teams in this AU consist of the Trolls characters (and my trollsona) as angels and the Gorillaz (with my OCs) as demons. While each side strives to influence their assigned humans toward the path of good or evil, circumstances occasionally force the two teams into uneasy alliances when otherworldly forces threaten the delicate balance between light and dark.
Rosetta (Humility) ↔ Murdoc Niccals (Pride)
Rosetta, a Malak, embodies the humility of Michael, the archangel, in sharp contrast to Murdoc’s pride, echoing Lucifer’s rebellion. Leading her team with integrity, empathy, love, and resilience, she understands that true leadership is a blend of compassion and clarity of vision. Murdoc is a narcissistic, egoistic, and abusive Devil with self-proclaimed leadership over his own band of demons. Their rivalry began when Rose was chosen to oppose Murdoc after graduating from the first Golden School, outshining him in the Age of the Patriarchs. Clashes between them span centuries, including the war in Heaven, where Rose’s father, Bastion, defeated Murdoc’s father, Sebastian Jacob Niccals, for siding with Lucifer and banished him to Hell. Over time, the intensity of their rivalry softened into a competitive but respectful dynamic, especially after Rose learned of Murdoc’s tragic past when their groups met again in the present day.
Poppy (Kindness) ↔ Ursula (Envy)
Poppy, a Cupid and second-in-command, channels the virtue of kindness tied to the archangel Jophiel. Her radiant empathy, encouragement, and gentle warmth inspire trust and hope in every human she guides. Her influence is subtle yet profound, like a supernova softly illuminating the path of compassion and joy. Opposing her, Ursula, a fierce Caliban, embodies Leviathan’s sin of envy. Clever, unpredictable, and delighting in chaos, she challenges both humans and angels. Beneath her fiery, dramatic exterior, Ursula’s loyalty to her boyfriend Murdoc and her team adds depth to her character. Their rivalry is playful yet respectful, a dance of wits and strategy that highlights the nuanced ways kindness and envy shape human choices, rather than relying solely on destruction.
Branch (Charity) ↔ Ace D. Copular (Greed)
Branch, an Elim inspired by Gabriel, embodies charity in all its forms: selflessness, generosity, and guidance. He not only aids his teammates and friends but extends care to his family, especially his older brother, Floyd. Branch’s actions, guided by compassion, inspire humans to embrace generosity and altruism. Ace D. Copular, a Borda, embodies Mammon’s sin of greed, exploiting charm, wit, and opportunism to manipulate situations to his advantage. Their rivalry is both competitive and humorous, a delicate dance of strategy and moral influence, where Branch strives to uplift humanity while Ace tempts it with indulgence.
Darnell (Patience) ↔ Noodle & Cyborg Noodle (Wrath)
Darnell, one of the Ayaanli twins, reflects Raphael’s virtue of patience. Calm, measured, and insightful, he helps humans navigate struggle with clarity, offering a stabilizing presence for his team. Opposing him are an Oni named Noodle and her artificial twin, Cyborg Noodle, who both represent two sides of wrath, Azazel’s deadly sin. Noodle’s cutthroat fighting skills, cunning, and emotional intensity, combined with Cyborg Noodle’s recklessness, precision and relentless obedience, push Darnell to his limits, forcing him to adapt while maintaining his composure. Their rivalry, though intense, carries an undercurrent of mutual respect and recognition of each other’s abilities.
Trollex (Chastity) ↔ Ashley (Lust)
Trollex, a Kinnara, represents Chamuel’s virtue of chastity: purity of intent, selfless devotion, and platonic love. He devotes himself to guiding and protecting his team while maintaining moral integrity. Ashley, a Greater Succubus, embodies Asmodeus’s sin of lust, blending seduction, passion, assertiveness, while maintaining a deeply affectionate, loving and stable but horny relationship with her boyfriend 2-D. Their rivalry is playful yet challenging; Trollex navigates moral discipline against temptation, while Ashley tests limits with charm, wit, and daring while leaning into consensual lust. Mutual respect, occasional exasperation, and acknowledgment of each other’s power define their dynamic.
Holly Darlin’ (Temperance) ↔ Russel Hobbs (Gluttony)
Holly Darlin’, a Victory, embodies Zadkiel’s virtue, which is temperance: balance, stability, and thoughtful guidance. She maintains harmony within her team while inspiring moderation in humans. Russel, a Fury, personifies Beelzebub’s sin of gluttony, embracing excess with zest and indulgence, yet beneath his boisterousness lies wisdom, loyalty, and strategic insight and a sweet, gentle love for his girlfriend Chloris, a beautiful Culebra. Their rivalry demonstrates how extremes—moderation and indulgence—interact, blending competition with cooperation, and showcasing the nuanced impact of differing influences on humans.
Val Thundershock (Diligence) ↔ Stuart “2-D” Pot (Sloth)
Valentina “Val” Thundershock, a Tennin, channels Uriel’s virtue of diligence: determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment. Opposing her, 2-D, a Lilim, embodies Belphegor’s sloth: passivity, lack of initiative, and reliance on others. Despite his dimwitted appearance, 2-D possesses subtle cunning, loyalty, and moments of insight, especially in his lusty, affectionate relationship with Ashley. Their rivalry is spirited and sometimes humorous, a balancing act of frustration and amusement, highlighting contrasts in energy, motivation, and the effectiveness of influence over humans.