Twink

File:Twink.jpg
Twink
Species	Star Kid
Debut	Paper Mario

Twink is a Star Kid who appears as a supporting character and a temporarily playable character in Paper Mario.

Background

Twink was an excitable Star Kid. Like other Star Kids, he originally resided at Starborn Valley before ascending to Star Haven. He was the last Star Kid to ascend before Bowser stole the Star Rod and sealed away the Star Spirits. Because of this, he was summoned by Princess Peach's wishes. He was too small to be very helpful to Peach, as he stood no chance against Bowser and could not carry Peach to safety. However, he was able to act as Peach's sidekick and messenger. First, he was sent to bring a Lucky Star to Mario. Afterwards, he helped her when she would sneak around the castle, and he then reported their findings to Mario, which would usually relate to the whereabouts of one of the trapped Star Spirits.

After Mario had rescued all of the Star Spirits, Bowser decided to have Peach tied up in preparation for the coming battle with Mario. Twink attempted to intervene, only to be quickly swatted away by Bowser. Twink still managed to appear during the final battle. While Bowser was busy attacking Mario, Twink untied Peach. The two of them were then attacked by Kammy Koopa. The Star Kid was initially powerless against Kammy, but Peach was able to strengthen Twink with her prayers, until he was able to successfully defeat Kammy. They realized that Peach's wishes could also enhance the powers of the Star Spirits, and Twink reported this to Mario. With this, the Star Spirits' Star Beam became the Peach Beam, and with the enhanced power of Peach's wishes, it was able to undo Bowser's invincibility.

With that, Bowser was soon defeated by Mario, and the Star Rod was returned to the Star Spirits. Twink was congratulated for his efforts, and the Star Spirits told him that he was on par with a grown-up star. Twink then said his farewells before Peach and Mario before departing. He then followed the Star Spirits back to Star Haven. He made one more appearance during the ending parade, where he swooped down to Mario and Peach's float to greet them.

Trivia

• His Japanese name is "Tink", possibly in reference to Tinker Bell, the helper fairy of Peter Pan. His English name of Twink seems to be based on his Japanese name, but it also references the word "twinkle", which is a word associating with the shining of a star and popularly known through the children's nursery rhyme "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star".
• The Star Kids in Starborn Valley seem to admire Twink, while he in turn admires the Star Spirits.