don't do 'research,' actually watch the anime and/or read the books. both are quite good. ...well the first season of the anime and the...6 or so episodes of the 2nd season. the movie afterwards works well too. anime's really not your forte at all - you already proved this by pretty much not knowing how Homura's powers worked.
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The future must protect the clone's past.
"Maybe it's a tentacle, molesting the planet itself. - Aschen Brodel.