Hermes had sent the message to Will, and then rushed about grabbing his boots and pulling them on, and then going back for some sunglasses because even though it was winter they'd make him look tough.
By the time he finally headed out, he was in time to meet Apollo's fist. He windmilled backwards, falling to the ground where he clutched at his throat. His sunglasses fell off, and he moaned. The pain was so intense he couldn't even get out the 'what the fuuuucck?!' he wanted to say.