Imagine being a magical bird and the Winchesters free you.

Word Count: 885

~

Moonlight filters through the dark curtain surrounding your small birdcage. Faint chirps sound as you remind the dusty room that you're still there, waiting patiently.

A long time ago, you had been captured by a witch who sought to control you and your power. Of course, you would have none of it, so you refused to cooperate with her. She locked you in this cage, determined to keep you to herself.

Once in a while, she returns to this room to try to make you obey her.

You never do.

Turns out, magical birds can be quite stubborn.

So you wait in your cage, whistling occasionally, utterly hidden from the world. Isolation, after so many years of being hunted for your wish-granting abilities, is rather refreshing.

No one, apart from the witch, has bothered you for years.

That is, until now.

~

The loud sound of gunfire ricochets through the old house as Dean shoots the witch with witch-killing bullets.

He smirks in victory and looks to his younger brother, who also smiles with relief.

"That was easy."

"Yeah," Sam agrees, already putting his gun away, "Let's see what else she's stolen."

The witch had taken an important book out of their car while their backs were turned, so they had come to get it back. She wasn't too happy about that, so she tried to kill them. She failed.

A faint chirp resonates down the stairs.

"Dean, you hear that?"

"Yeah, let's go," Dean replies.

Gun raised, he cautiously walks up the creaking stairs. He pushes open the door, flicking the lights on, and doesn't find any threats.

"It's clear."

Sam nods, picking up a book, "Yeah, I can see that."

Dean mimics his brother and puts his gun away, "What made that sound?"

~

You tilt your head at the dumb question, shaking your tail feathers in indignation, "It was me."

A curse sounds and a weapon is drawn, although you can't see anything through the curtain.

Light blinds you as he yanks the curtain off the bars above your head. You blink at them, adjusting to the light.

Their shocked faces make you chirp out a laugh and flap your wings a bit, "Yes, I can talk."

"Dean, it's a bird," Sam states, shock written on his expression.

Dean scoffs in disbelief, "Yeah, Sammy. I see that."

"It?" You echo, not at all pleased.

"Um, sorry. I mean she," he corrects.

Letting out a long whistle, you hop up and down a few times, "Well, are you going to let me out anytime soon?"

Sam looks to his brother and shrugs. Clearly, they're not sure what to do.

"First off, why are you locked up in the first place? And are you human?"

You blink, "No, I'm a bird. You do know the difference between humans and birds, don't you?"

"I- yeah of course I know! It's just, can't be too sure. I mean the witch could've turned you into a bird or something," he stammers.

You sigh, "Only I can change my form."

"Wait, you can shape-shift?" The tall one asks, curiosity eating away at him.

"Let me out, and I'll show you."

Sam goes to unlatch the cage, but Dean blocks him.

"I don't know Sam. It could be a trick or something."

"Dean, she's a bird. Not a monster."

"I'm not just any old creature," you inform, becoming impatient. "I'm a wish-granter. Release me and I'll fulfil your deepest desire."

Sam's interest has peaked again, "Is that why the witch had you?"

You chirp and nod.

Dean exhales and looks down at you with distrust, "If we let you out, you swear you won't hurt us?"

"Of course," you reply, "I don't hurt those I'm indebted to."

His lips press into a line as he unlatched the cage. The door swings open and the boys step back.

Without a thought, you leap up and fly through the air. It's been so long since you've flown, so you go around the room a few times before landing on the floor.

They look at you, unimpressed.

Inhaling deeply, you shift into your human form, covering yourself with the curtain as you do.

They gasp.

Dean's eyes light up as he observes your new form and Sam stands there stunned.

"Wow, you weren't joking."

Your face twists into a wry smirk, "I never lie. So, I'm granting your wish."

"Wait, we haven't wished for anything yet!" Dean protests.

You laugh, "You don't choose your wish. I'm not a genie. Your heart decides for you."

"Heart?" Sam echos.

You dip your head, "Yes. And, since Dean unlocked the cage, the wish technically belongs to him, but you'll like it too, Sammy."

You smile at them before hugging them both, "Thank you for freeing me."

Walking past them, you don't stop even as Dean snatches your hand. You glare at him and growl lowly, "Release me. Right now I am your friend. You would not want me as an enemy, I assure you."

He drops your hand, "But what about the wish?"

"It's granted," you snap your fingers for show.

Suddenly, a bright light envelopes the room. You leave them behind and transform into a bird again.

As your fly out of the house with a smile, you hear Dean say, "Mom?"