HELP PLEASE

what is the gerund phrase in this sentence?

Rescuing the princess was not easy, but Milo, Tock, and Humbug succeed.

rescuing
rescuing the princess
was not easy
but Milo, Tock, and Humbug succeded

In which sentence about The Phantom Toll booth is the word transfixed used correctly?

Milo is transfixed by the frightening demons.
By the end of the play Milo has transfixed into someone who values time.
Rhyme and Reason were transfixed to the Castle in the air
The mathematician transfixed the numbers from the mine.

In which sentence is the word deficiency use correctly

An unhealthy diet can lead to a vitamin deficiency.
The rain caused a deficiency in our plans so we had to reschedule.
When we realized we had a diffidence of food we invited the neighbors over for dinner.
Mark wish he had Steves deficiency when it came to sports.

Which word is most similar to admonishing

uncertain
rising
critical
amazing

HELP PLEASE