In the events of Mortal Kombat 4 ( 1997 ) , Liu Kang discover that his lover and ally , Princess Kitana , have been captured by the disgraced Elder God Shinnok 's forces , and begin gathering Earth 's warriors to defeat him . Liu Kang confront Shinnok and once again emerge victorious with Kitana and her people having survived to the attack , but he is unable to commit himself to a relationship due to his duty as Earthrealm 's champion while Kitana have to remain in Outworld to rule her kingdom .