Maybe it would've been better if in the intro, Taven was the one fighting Shao Kahn. Taven wasn't strong against him and with some help from Raiden, Taven borrowed Raiden's amulet to send visions to Raiden's past self.

I really hope they come back, I like several characters from that era. Hell, I love Deception's story much more than MK9's and I would love if they kept that kind of continuity going on. Too bad they screwed it up with Armageddon.

If you think about it, they were always in the timeline... offscreen, that is.

Shujinko could be training with Scorpion and when Quan Chi calls on him for the invasion, then Shujinko would have 1 of 2 fates: he either gets converted to evil by the sorcerer or he defeats Quan Chi. He could also convince Scorpion to escape with him. Though Drahmin and Moloch wouldn't be far behind.

Taven is still asleep. But since Earthrealm is in turmoil and in danger, Blaze might send Orin the signal to awaken Taven so he can escape. Taven could then either escape or help out.

I really do wish Shujinko and Taven return, though I would like if Shujinko didn't be all Chameleon again and Taven would have more memorable qualities than being the son of an elder god.

Never again.

That's true, Shujinko's quest started long before MK 1, meaning he is on his quest right now.

There is possibility of both of them returning. However, giving that NRS freevolously changed Old Canon for MK9, there is possibility that they simply will forgot about both characters and move on.

If they return they certainly need their own fighting styles and gimmicks. Taven is rather generic and Shujinko is practically "Chameleon 2.0". After MK9 that won't do.

Storywise, there is potential to both of them. I actually like Taven, but hate Shujinko. Taven's confusion was understandable, but "Protagonist" was a complete tool.

Well Shujinko did trust Damashi for a damn good reason the quest. It would be interesting.

So having a Repeat of MKD with all of the changes that MK9 and Mk10 brings with Shujinko in the lead.