Liu Kang's stern expression softened as he began to recollect his first encounter with Kitana. "It was during the Mortal Kombat tournament, right in Shang Tsung's courtyard," he began.

"I had just won my fight and was walking towards the palace. I was tired and bruised but then I saw her. She was standing there in the moonlight, her eyes fixed on me."

Liu Kang smiled at the memory. "She was beautiful, like nothing I had ever seen. Her eyes were filled with curiosity and intrigue. I was smitten."

"Kitana approached me, she was intrigued by my victory. She was the first to congratulate me, and from that moment, we started talking and found ourselves drawn to each other."

Liu Kang's eyes were distant now, clearly lost in the past. "Our conversations were always light and full of laughter. We connected on a level I had never experienced before."

"Despite the chaos of the tournament, our bond grew stronger with each passing day. And before we knew it, we had formed an unbreakable bond."

Johnny Cage listened intently, his cheeky grin replaced by a look of genuine interest. "And what about Shang Tsung? Didn't he notice?" he asked, curiosity creeping into his voice.

Liu Kang nodded. "Yes, he did. But he couldn't do anything about it. Our bond was unbreakable, and he knew it."

"Shang Tsung tried to manipulate us, to turn us against each other. But our trust in each other was stronger than his deceit."

"We stood up against him together, and in that moment, we became more than friends, we became allies."

"Our bond grew stronger with each passing day. We shared our fears, our hopes, our dreams. We became inseparable."

"Even after the tournament ended, our bond remained strong. We remained in touch, and our friendship blossomed into something more."

"We fought together, trained together, and stood by each other in our darkest moments. We became each other's strength."

"And that's how we met, Johnny. In the midst of chaos, we found each other. We found our strength in each other."

Johnny Cage, silent for once, nodded in understanding. "Sounds like you two were meant to meet."

Liu Kang smiled, his eyes revealing a deep affection for Kitana. "Yes, we were. And I wouldn't change a thing about it."

"I guess, sometimes, the most beautiful things come from the most unexpected places. Like love in the middle of a deadly tournament."

Johnny Cage couldn't help but chuckle. "Only you, Liu Kang, could find love in a battlefield."

Liu Kang just shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "Love doesn't choose the place or time, Johnny. It just happens."

"And I am grateful for it. Because if it wasn't for that tournament, I wouldn't have met Kitana. I wouldn't have found my partner, my ally, my love."

"So, that's the story, Johnny. That's how Kitana and I met. And that's how our bond was formed, in the courtyard of Shang Tsung's palace."

Johnny Cage, for once, was at a loss for words. He just nodded, his eyes reflecting a new-found respect for Liu Kang. "I guess, it's all about finding the right person at the right time."

Liu Kang nodded. "Yes, it is. And when you find that person, everything else just falls into place."

"And that's the beauty of it, Johnny. When you find the one, you'll know. And you'll fight for them, no matter what."

Johnny Cage couldn't help but smile. "I guess, I have a lot to learn from you, Liu Kang."

Liu Kang just smiled back. "We all have our own journeys, Johnny. And when the time comes, I'm sure you'll find your own path."

Johnny Cage nodded, a newfound determination in his eyes. "I guess, I'll have to wait for my own Shang Tsung's courtyard moment."

Liu Kang smiled, his eyes filled with warmth. "And when it comes, Johnny, you'll be ready. I know you will."

And with that, Liu Kang walked away, leaving Johnny Cage alone with his thoughts. The story of Liu Kang and Kitana, a tale of love and strength, resonated deeply with Johnny.

It was a story of two warriors who found love in the most unlikely of places. A story that was a testament to the power of love, trust, and companionship.

It was a story that gave Johnny Cage hope. Hope that he too, would one day find his Shang Tsung's courtyard moment.

And until then, he knew he had a lot to learn. But for now, he was content. Content with listening to the tales of love and strength shared by his friend, Liu Kang.

It was a story that reminded Johnny Cage of the power of love. A story that reminded him that love could be found even in the midst of chaos.

And with that thought, Johnny Cage looked up at the sky, a smile on his face. He knew his time would come. And when it did, he would be ready.

And until then, he would continue to learn. To grow. To become the best version of himself. Ready for the day when he would find his own Kitana, in his own Shang Tsung's courtyard.