Carter is curious about the taste of a tattoo, prompting Zia to playfully instruct him to stick out his tongue. This moment highlights the intriguing and sometimes bizarre nature of their magical experiences.
When Carter tries to describe the taste, he finds it unpleasant, comparing it to burning car tires. The grossness of the experience leads him to spit out a blue substance into a nearby fountain, emphasizing the weirdness and unpredictability of the magical world they inhabit.