[ Erik pauses, looks at the Doctor, then nods. Ah. ] That sounds much more familiar to my own reality.

[ Not that Erik has always had the best reaction to the hostility he and other mutants have been the targets of, he will be the first to admit. For a long time, and even now at times, all he's ever known is anger and revenge. He is not going to return violence and oppression with an outstretched hand, or a peace offering. He's always going to fight back. ]

Our abilities are often linked to our emotions. At times, they can be difficult to control. So, in part it was innate, but with time, and the proper concentration, it was possible to further master my control over those abilities.